LIFE 

ANDREW JACKSON, 



PRESIDENT OF THE 
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



BV VVILLUM COBBETT MP. 

FOR OLDHAM. 



"IS » ' , 



1834. 



E 






r^ ' 



tl^^ 



DEDICATION 

TO THE 

WORKING PEOPLE OF IRELAND. 



My Friends, 

Ever since I became acquainted with the na- 
ture and extent of the ill-treatment of the people 
of Ireland, I have availed myself of every op- 
portunity to endeavour to show that I held their 
persecutors in abhorrence. I now dedicate to 
you a history of the life of the bravest and great- 
est man now living in this world, or that ever has 
lived in this world, as far as my knowledge ex- 
tends. It has given me pleasure, which I cannot 
describe, to find that this famous man sprang 
from poor emigrant Irish parents; and that he was 
born in the United States of America, two years 
after the landing of his parents. You will read, 
with uncommon interest, the clear proof of his 
having been urged on to perform the wonderful 
acts of his life by his recollection of the ill-treat- 
ment of his parents in their native land. For 
more than two hundred years, the laborish Irish 
people were scourged because, and only because, 
they would not apostatize from the religion of 
their fathers; and even unto this day every effort 
is made to keep them down, and to represent them 
as an inferior race of men. It is, therefore, ia 



IV ' DEDICATION. 

the name of truth and of justice that I send this 
book forth among the peoi>le of this whole kuig- 
dom, to prove totliemthat this ill-treated Ireland, 
this trampled-upon Ireland, has produced the 
greatest soldier and the greatest statesman whose 
name has ever yet appeared upon the records of 
valour and of wisdom. According to all the laws 
of all nations, a man, though born in a foreign 
country, if born of parents natives of another 
countr}", is a native ot the country to which the 
parents belong. Thus this famous man is an Irish- 
man; and I beseech you to look at his deeds, and 
to applaud that just Providence which has made 
him an instrument, though in a manner so indirect, 
of assisting to avenge the manifold wrongs of ill- 
treated Ireland. «' 
I am. 

Your faithful friend, 

And most obedient servant, 
William Cobbett. 
Boll-court, 21th March, 1834. 



PREFACE. 



Among all the duties of men who meddle with 
public affairs, and who have any portion of the 
press at their command, no one is more obligato- 
ry upon them than that of endeavouring, by all 
the means that tiiey have in their power, to do 
justice to the character and conduct of those who, 
during their own time especially, have rendered 
eminent services in the cause of public justice 
and public liberty; and among all the men who 
have distinguished themselves in this way in the 
present age, I know of no one who can challenge 
any thing like an equality with him whose life 
and actions are the subject of the following pages. 

There may have been men placed in situations 
as difficult and asdani^erous as those in which he 
has been placed. There may have been men who 
have shown courage, fortitude, perseverance, and 
resolution, equal to those shown by him. This 
may be; but, at the end of pretty nearly seventy 
years of observing, of hearing, and of reading, I 
declare most explicitly, I have never seen, never 
heard of, and never read of, any man equal to the 



Vi PREFACE. 



President in tliese prime and admirable qualities. 
These pages trace him from the spade and tlie 
plough to the musket carried against invaders, 
aiminof at the destruction of the liberties of" his 
country; from the musket they take him back to 
his books: then take him to the bar; then place 
him on the bench; tnen send him to the senate; af- 
terward lead us to see him on his farm, whence, 
when another invasion of his country took place, 
they show him quitting his beloved fields, again 
rushing to meet hostile foes, and, having deliver- 
ed his country of those foes, we are led with him 
back again to his farm, whence he is again called, 
to take upon him the chief magistracy of a great 
and opulent and a free country; and that, too, by 
the unanimous voice of millions of freemen. 

Thus honoured, thus confided in, thus placed 
in a more honourable situation than any other man 
upon the face of the earth, we see him acting a 
part worthy of his high station. The angry, the 
bitter, the implacable, the heretofore-deemed-all- 
powerful British government, he had repulsed; he 
bad humbled; the savage tribes, the cannibal foes 
of bis country, he had scourged with rods of scor- 
pions; if he had not tamed them into humanity, he 
had made fear sheathe their hatchets and their 
scalping-knives; but, in his capacity of chief mag- 
istrate, in his capacity of chief guardian of the 
civil and political rights, and of the property and 
lives of his countrymen, he had to deal with a 
monster more formidable, and more destructive 
to the people, than either the British or the sava- 



rnEFACE. Vll 

ges: a monster perfectly insatiable; hypocritical 
as the ciocodilc, delusive as the syren, and dead- 
ly as the rattlesnake itself. Tiie monster of pa- 
per-money he has now to encounter. Tiiis is his 
last great labour, if this monster fall beneath him, 
no pen, no tongue, no vehicle of praise can ever 
render justice to liis name. Some poet has said, 
that the grandest spectacle that tlic human mind 
can conceive is, *'a great man struggling with the 
storms of fate." It is a greater still to see a great 
man struggling — to see the greatest of men now 
alive struggling with the most cruel and destruct- 
ive monster that ever the Almighty, in his just 
displeasure, permitted to be the scourge of olfcnd- 



mg nations. 



It is with no small delight thatl see, in the fol- 
lowing Jiages, proofs undeniable of the superiori- 
ty of nature over art, of genius over rank and 
over riches: it is with pride, and with just pride 
I trust, that I behold all that is great in the char- 
acter of man springing out of the humble home- 
stead; but it is with still greater and with inex- 
pressible delight, that I see it spring from poor 
IRISH EMIGRANT PARENTS, driven from 
their native land by its inexorable oppressors. 
Ah! God is just, in spite of our ungrateful impa- 
tience. No man living ever did so much to hum- 
ble England as Aisdrew Jackson; and these pages 
will show us how his zeal was sharpened, how 
his anger was pointed, by the lessons taught him 
by his ill-treated parents, and by the cruelty and 
insolence which he had to endure from the same 



Vlll PREFACE. 

source. Arrogance and Injustice, when associat- 
ed with power, never listen to reason or remon- 
strance as long as the power lasts. If tliey were 
capahle of listening, I would hid the oppressors 
of the poor people of Ireland to read these pages; 
ges; and to remember that the country which pro- 
duced Andrew Jackson still retains the faculty 
of giving life to other such men. 

Wm. Cobbett. 
Bolt-court, London^ 21th JMarch, 1 834 



CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER 1. 

FROM 1767 TO 1812. 

1767. His birth and parentage — 1781. Enters the Ameriran rerolu- 
tionary army — Cruelty of a British ofliccr — Death of his brother and 
mother, llii siiflt-rinss — 1784. Studies the law in North Carolina-Contin 
ues there till 178d — 1788. Settles in Tennessee as a barrister — Distin- 
^'iii'ihes himself in fiL'htinif the liidiriiis — 17Itfi. Chosen a member of the 
Tennessee conventii'n — Lhrted a member of cnnijress — 1797. Chosen a 
senator of tlie c<>ni;re?s — IT'JS. M^dc major-gi ncral of Tennessee — 
Resie^ns his seat in the senate — 17!)!). Appiinted a judgt* of the sup- 
reme court — Soon resigns and retires to his farm, where he remains till 
tlic breaking out of tlie war, in lfl!2, between the United States and 
Great Britain Fage 13 

CHAPTEIl II. 

FROM THE BEGINNINO OF 1812, TO THE MONTH OF 
MAY OF THAT YEAR. 

He was ronsed from liis retirement by the war with Great Britain — 
Assembles 2.')00 volunteers — Descends tlip Misssippi IWH) miles— Enr-amps 
near the N:ilches, to be ready to defiiid that part of the country from 
invaders — Tlic danger of invasion a|>pears io be r<-ini)ved — Is ordered to 
give uj) his stores to the regular army s'ationed there — Refuses to comply 
with tlie order — Fulfils his compact with his volunteers, by taking Ihcm 
back safely to their own hontes 2-1 

CHxVPTER m. 

FROM MAY, 1813, TO APRIL, 1814. 

His Indian campaign — Battle after battle — Discontent in his army after dis 
content — Proof alter proof of fortitude and resoluliort, each meriting the 
admiration of all mankind. ........ 33 

CHAPTER IV. 

FROM APRIL, 1814, TO DECEMBER, 1814. 

Perfidious conduct of the Spanish governor of Pensacola — Jackson's remon- 
strance — Niclioll's proclamalion — Defeat of tli^ British at Fort Bowyer, 
by Major Lawrence — Reduction of Ptnsacola, and retreat of the British 
— .lackson's arrival at New Orleans — Preparations made by the British 
for the reduction of New-Orleans 93 



10 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

FROM THE 1ST OF DECEMBER, 1814, TO MARCH, 1815. 

Defence of New-Orleans — Jackson is beset with traitors and spies — Arms 
not sent to him — Enemy lands on the 23d December — He marches in the 
night and drives tliem back — Divers smaller enragements — The traitors 
in the assembly and in the town conspire against him — Defeats the British 
witli great slaughter, Blh January — Drives them out of the country — His 
farewell address to his army — The sneaking account given by the British 
government of this important transaction. .... 98 

CHAPTER VI. 

FROM MARCH, 1815, TO FEBRUARY, 1834. 

Becomes a senator in the congress of the United States, for the slate of 
Tennessee — Is a candidate for the presidentship, 1824 — Has the greatest 
number of votes, but is kept out by a trick at Clay and Crawlord — Is 
chosen president in 18:29 — Declares against a renewal of the bank cliarter 
— Puts his veto on a bill to renew the charter of the bank — The bank 
forms a conspiracy against his re-election — He is re-elected in the fail of 
1832 — He denounces the bank, exposes its corruption and bribery, takes 
the deposites from the bank, and places them in the slate banks — Pub- 
lishes his reasons for doing thi*— Person and character , . 173 



THE LIFE 



OP 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



THE LIFE 

OF 

ANDREW JACKSON. 



CHAPTER 1. 

FROM 1767 TO 1812. 



1767. His birth and parentage — 1781. Enters the American revolu- 
tionary army — Cruelty of a British officer — Death of his brother and 
mother His suflFerings — 1784. Studies the law in JVorth Carolina-Contin- 
ues there till 1788 — 1788. Settles in Tennessee as a barrister — Distin- 
guishes himself in fighting the Indians— 17iJ6. Chosen a member of the 
Tennessee convention — Elected a member of congress — 1797. Chosen a 
senator of the congress— 1798. Made major-general of Tennessee — 
Resigns his seat in the senate— 1799. Appointed a judge of the sup- 
reme court — Soon resigns and retires to his farm, where he remains till 
the breaking out of the war, in 1812, between the United Stales and 
Great Britain. 

Vl. Andrew Jackson was born on the 15th day of 
March, 1767. His father (Andrew), the youngest 
son of his family, emigrated to America from Ire- 
land during the year 1765, bringing with him two 
sons, Hugh and Robert, both very young. Landing 
at Charleston, in South Carolina, he shortly after- 
ward purchased a tract of land, in what was then 
called the Waxsaw settlement, about forty-five miles 
above Camden; at which place the subject of this 
history was born. Shortly after his birth, his father 
died, leaving three sons to be provided for by their 
mother. She appears to have been an exemplary 
woman, and to have executed the arduous duties 
which had devolved on her with greatest faithfulness 
and with much success. To the lessons she incul- 
cated on the youthful minds of her sons was, no 
2 



14 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

douLt, owin^ in a great measure, that fixed opposi- 
tion to British tyranny and oppression which after- 
ward so much distinguished them. Often would 
she spend the winter's evenings in recounting to 
them the sufferings of their grandfather at the siege 
of Carrickfergus, and the oppressions exercised by 
the nobihty of Ireland over the labouring poor; 
"ihapressing it upon them as a first duty, to expend 
their lives, if it should become necessary, in defend- 
ing and supporting the natural rights of man. 

2. Inheriting but a small patrimony from their 
father, it was impossible that all the sons could re- 
ceive an expensive education. The two eldest were 
therefore only taught the rudiments of their mother 
tongue, at a common country school. But Andrew, 
being intended by his mother for tlie ministry, was 
sent to a flourishing academy at the Waxsaw meet- 
ing-house, superintended by Mr. Humphries. Here 
he was placed on the study of the dead languages, 
^and continued until the revolutionary war, extending 
its ravages into that section of South Carolina 
where he then was, rendered it necessary that every 
one should betake himself to the American standard, 
seek protection with the enemy, or flee his country. 
It was not an alternative that admitted of a tedious | 
deliberation. The natural ardour of his temper, 
derivins: encourai^ement from the recommendations 
of his mother, whose feelings were not less alive on ; 
the occasion than his own, and excited by those j 
sentiments in favour of liberty with which, by hei* \ 
conversation, his ' mind had been early endued, i 
quickly determined him in the course to be pursued; | 
and at the tender age of fourteen, accompanied by j 
his brother Robert, he hastened to the American 
camp, and engaged actively in the service of his 



LIFE OF ANDRtW JACKSON. 15 

country. His oldest brother, who had previously 
joined tiic army, had lost his life at the battle of 
»Stono, from tlie excessive heat of the weather and 
the fatigues of the day. 

3. Both Andrew and Robert were at this period 
pretty well acquainted witli the manual exercise, 
and had some idea of the dilTerent evolutions of the 
field, having been indulged by their mother in at- 
tending the drill and genera! musters of the neigh- 
bourhood. 

4. The Americans, being uncqnal, as well from tbo 
inferiority of their numbers as their discipline, to 
engage the British army in battle, had retired before 
it into the interior of North Carolina; but when 
they learned that lord Cornwallis had crossed the 
Yadkin, they returned in small detachments toHhcir 
native state. On their arrival they found lord Raw- 
don in possession of Camden, and the whole coun- 
try around in a state of desolation. The British 
commander being advised of the return of the set- 
tlers of Waxsaw, Major Coflin was immediately 
despatched thither with a corps of hght droj^oon^i^ 
a company of inf mtry, and a considerable number 
of tories, for their capture and destruction. Hear- 
ing of their approach, the settlers without delay ap- 
pointed the \V' axsaw meeting-house as a place of 
rendezvous, tliat they might the better collect their 
scattered strength, and concert some system of 
operations. About forty of them had accordingly 
assembled at this point, when the enemy approached, 
keei)ing the tories, who were dressed in the common 
garb of the country, in front, whereby this little band 
of patriots were completely deceived, having takea 
them for captain Nisbot's company, in expectation 
oi^ which they had been waiting. Eleven of them 



16 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

were taken prisoners; the rest with difficulty fled, 
scattering and betaking themselves to the woods for 
concealment. Of those who thus escaped, though 
closely pursued, were Andrew Jackson and his 
brother, who, entering a secret bend in a creek that 
was close at hand, obtained a momentary respite 
from danger, and avoided, for the night, the pursuit of 
the enem)^ The next day, however, having gone 
to a neighbouring house for the purpose of procur- 
ing something to eat, they were broken in upon, and 
made prisoners, by Coffin's dragoons and a party of- 
tories who accompanied them. Those young men, 
with a view to security, had placed their horses in 
the wood, on the margin of a small creek, and posted 
on the road which led by the house a sentinel, that 
they might have information of any approach, and 
in time to be able to elude it. But the tories, who 
were well acquainted with the country and the 
passes through the forest, had unfortunately passed 
the creek at the very point where the horses and 
baggage of our young soldiers were deposited, and 
taken possession of them. Having done this, they 
approached cautiously the house, and were almost 
at the door before they were discovered. To escape 
was impossible, and both were made prisoners. 
Being placed under guard, Andrew was ordered, in a 
very imperious tone, by a British officer, to clean his 
boots, which had became muddied in crossing the 
creek. This order he positively and peremptorily 
refused to obey; alleging that he looked for such 
treatment as a prisoner of war had a right to 
expect. Incensed at his refusal, the officer aimed a 
blow at his head with a drawn sword, which would 
very probably have termined his existence had he 
not parried its effects by throwing up his left hand, on 



LIFE OF ANDREW JAeKSON. 17 

which he received a severe wound, the mark of 
which he bears to this hour. His brother, at the 
same time, for a similar offence, received a deep cut 
on the head, which subsequently occasioned his 
death. They were both now taken to jail, wher©^ 
separated and confined, they were treated with 
marked severity, until a few days after the battle be- 
fore Camden, when, in consequence of a partial ex- 
change, effected by the intercessions and exertions 
of their mother, and Captain Walker of the militia, 
they were both released from confinement. Cap- 
tain Walker had, in a charge on the rear of tlie 
British army,succeeded in making thirteen prisoners, 
whom he gave in exchange for seven Americans, of 
which number were these two young men. Robert, 
during his confinement in prison, had suffered greatly; 
the wound on his head, all this time having never 
been dressed, was followed by an inflammation of 
the brain, which, in a few days after his liberation, 
brought him to his grave. To add to the afflictions 
of Andrew, his mother, worn down by grief and her 
incessant exertions to provide clothing and other 
comforts for the suffering prisoners who had been 
taken from her neighbourhood, expired in a few 
weeks after her son, near the lines of the enemy, in 
the vicinity of Charleston. Andrew, the last and 
only surviving child, confined to a bed of sickness, 
occasioned by the sufferings he had been compelled 
to undergo while a prisoner, and by getting wet on 
his return from captivity, was thus left in the wide 
world without a human being with whom he could 
claim near relationship. The small-pox, about the 
same time having made its appearance upon him, had 
well-nigh terminated his sorrows and his existence. 
5. Havins: at leiicrth recovered from his com- 
2* 



18 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

plicated afflictions, he entered upon the enjoy- 
ment of his estate, which, although small, would 
have been sufficient, under prudent management, 
to have completed his education on the liberal 
scale which his mother had designed. Unfortu- 
nately, however, he, like too many young men, 
sacrificing future prospects to present gratifica- 
tion, expended it with rather too profuse a hand. 
Coming, at lengthy to foresee that he should be 
finally obliged to rely on his own exertions for sup- 
port and success in life, he again betook himself 
to his studies with increased industry. He re- 
commenced under Mr. M'CuUoch, in that part of 
Carolina which was then called the New Acquisi- 
tion, near Hill's iron works. Here he studied the 
languages, devoting a portion of his time to a de- 
sultory course of studies. 

6. His education being now completed, so far 
as his wasted patrimony and the limited opportu- 
nities then afforded in that section of the country 
would permit, at the age of eighteen he turned 
his attention to acquiring a profession, and prepar- 
ing himself to enter on the busy scenes of life. 
The pulpit, for which he had been designed by 
his mother, was now abandoned for the bar; and, 
in the winter of 1784, he repaired to Salisbury, in 
North Carolina, and commenced the study of law, 
under Spruce M'Cay, Esq., afterwards one of the 
judges of that state, and subsequently continued 
it under Colonel John Stokes. Having remained 
at Salisbury until the winter of 1786, he obtained 
a license from the judges to practise law, and 
continued in the state until the spring of 1768. 

7. The observations he was enabled, during this 
time, to make, satisfied him that this state pre- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 19 

sented few inducements to a voung; attornev; and 
recollecting that he stood a solitary individual in 
life, without relations to aid liim in the onset, 
when innumerable difficullies arise and retard 
success, he determined to seek a new country. 
But for this he miizht have aj^ain reiuriied to liis 
native state; the death, however, of every relation 
he had had wiped away all those endearing recol- 
lections and circumstances which warp the mind 
to the place of its nativity. The western parts of 
the state of Tennessee were, about this time, often 
spoken of as presenting flattering prospects to ad- 
venturers. He immediately determined to ac- 
company Judge M'Nairy thither, who had been 
appointed, and was going out, to hold the first su- 
preme court that had ever sat in the state. Hav- 
ing reached the Holston, they ascertained it 
would be impossible to arrive at the time appoint- 
ed for the session of the court; and therefore de- 
termined to remain in that section of the country 
until fall. They recommenced their journey in 
October, and passing through an extensive unin- 
habited country, reached Nashville in the same 
month. It had not been Jackson's intention cer- 
tainly to make Tennessee the place of his future 
residence; his visit was merely experimental, and 
his stay remained to be determined by the advan- 
tages that might be disclosed: but finding, soon 
after his arrival, that a considerable opening was 
olTered for the success ofa young attorney, he de- 
termined to remain. To one of refined feelings, 
the prospect before him was certainly not of an 
encouraging cast. As in all newly-settled coun- 
tries must be the case, society was loosely form- 
ed, and united by but few of those ties which 



20 LrFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

have a tendency to enforce the performance of 
moral duty and the right execution of juitice. 
The young men of the place, adventurers from 
different sections of the country, had become in- 
debted to the merchants; there was but one law- 
yer in the country, and they had so contrived as to 
retain him in their business; the consequence was, 
that the merchants were entirely deprived of the 
means of enforcing against those gentlemen the 
execution of their contracts. In this state of 
things, Jackson made his appearance at Nash- 
ville, and while the creditor class looked to it with 
great satisfaction, the debtors were sorely dis- 
pleased. Applications were immediately made to 
him for his professional services, and on the morn- 
ing after his arrival he issued seventy writs. To 
those prodigal gentlemen it was an alarming cir- 
cumstance; their former security was impaired; 
but that it might not wholly depart, they deter- 
mined to force him, in some way or other to 
leave the country; and to effect this, broils and 
quarrels with him were to be resorted to. This 
however, was soon abandoned; satisfied, by the 
first controversy in which they had involved him, 
that his decision and firmness were such as to 
leave no hope of effecting any thing through this 
channel. Disregarding the opposition raised to 
him, he continued, with care and industry, to 
press forward in his professional course; and his 
attention soon brought him forward, and introduc- 
ed him to a profitable practice. Shortly afterward, 
he was appointed attorney-general for the district, 
in which capacity he continued to act for several 
years. 

8. Indian depredations being then frequent on 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 21 

the Cumberland, every man, of necessity, became 
a soldier. Un-assisted by the government, the set- 
tlers were forced to rely for security on their own 
bravery and exertions. Although young, no per- 
son was more disstinguished than Andrew Jackson 
in defending the country against these predatory 
incursions of the savages, who continually har- 
rassed the frontiers, and not unfrcquently ap- 
proached the heart of the settlements, which were 
thin, but not widely extended. He aided ahUe in 
garrisoning the forts, and in pursuing and chastis- 
ing the enemy. 

9. In the year 170^, having, by his patriotism, 
firmness, and talents, secured to himself a distin- 
guished standirig with all classes, he was chosen 
one of the members of the convention for esta- 
blishinof a constitution for the state. His good 
conduct and zeal for the public interest, and the 
republican feelings and sentiments which were con- 
spicuously disclosed in the formation and arrange- 
ment of this instrument, brought him more promi- 
nently to view; and, without proposing or 
soliciting, he was, in the same year, elected a 
member of the house of representatives, in 
concrress, for the stale of Tennessee. The fol- 
lowing year, his reputation continuing to increase, 
and every bosom feeling a wish to raise him to 
still higher honours, he was chosen a senator of 
the United States' congress, and took his seat on 
the 2-2d day of November, 1797. About the mid- 
dle of April, business of an important and private 
nature imposed on him the necessity of asking 
leave of absence, and returning home. Leave 
was granted, and, before the next session he re- 
signed his seat. He was but a little more than 



522 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

thirty years of age; and hence scarcely eligible by 
the constitution at the time he uas elected. The 
sedition law, about which so much concern and 
feelincT had been manifested throuah the country, 
was introduced into the senate by Mr. Lloyd of 
Maryland, in June, 1798, and passed that body on 
the 4th of July following; hence the name of 
Jackson, owing to the leave of absence which had 
been granted him in April, does not appear on the 
journals. On the alien law, however, and the ef- 
fort to repeal the stamp act, he was present, rest- 
ing in the minority, and on the side of the repub- 
lican principles of the country. 

10. The state of Tennessee, on its admission 
into the Union, comprising but one military divi- 
sion, and General Conway, who commanded it as 
major-general, dying about this time, Jackson, 
without being consulted on the subject, and with- 
out the least intimation of what was in agitation, 
was, as the constitution of the state directs, cho- 
sen by the field-officers to succeed him; which ap- 
pointment he continued to hold until May, 1S14, 
when he was constituted a major-general in the 
United States' service. 

11. Becoming tired of political life, for the in- 
trigues of which he declared himself unqualified, 
and having for two years voted in the minority in 
congress, he resigned, after the first session, his 
seat in the senate. To this measure he was 
strongly induced, from a desire to make way for 
General Smith, who, he conjectured, would in that 
capacity be able to render more important ser- 
vices to the government than himself. His coun- 
try, unwilling that his talents should remain inac- 
tive and unemployed, again demanded his ser- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 23 

vices. Immediately after his resignation, he was 
appointed one of the judges of the supreme court 
of the state. Sensibly alive to the difficult duties 
of this station, distrusting his legal acquirements, 
and impressed with the great injury he might pro- 
duce to suitors by erroneous decisions, he advanc- 
ed to the office with reluctance, and in a short 
lime resigned, leaving it open for those who, he 
believed were better qualified than himself to dis- 
charge its intricate and important duties. Unam- 
bitious of these distinctions and honours, which 
young men are usually proud to possess, and find- 
ing too that his circumstances and condition in 
life were not such as to permit his time and atten- 
tion to be devoted to ]}ublic matters, he determin- 
ed to yield them into other hands, and to devote 
himself to agricultural pursuits; and accordingly 
settled himself on an excellent ftirm, ten miles 
from Nashville, on the Cumberland river; where, 
for several years, he enjoyed all the comforts of 
domestic and social intercourse. Abstracted from 
the busy scenes of public life, pleased with retire- 
ment, surrounded by friends whom he loved, and 
who entertained for him the highest veneration 
and respect, and blessed with an amiable and obe- 
dient wife, nothinij seemed wanting to the com- 
plction of that happiness which he so anxiously 
desired while in olfice. 



24 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



CHAPTER II. 

FROM THE BEGINNING OF 1812, TO THE MONTH OF 
MAY OF THAT YEAR. 

He was roused from his retirement by the war with Great Britain — 
Assembles 2500 volunteers— Descends the Misssippi 300 miles— Encamps 
near the Natches, to be ready to defend that part of the country from 
invaders— The danger of invasion appears to be removed — Is ordered to 
give up his stores to the regular army s'ationed there — Refuses to comply 
with the order — Fulfils his compact with his volunteers, by taking them 
back safely to their own homes. 

12. The repose of Jackson, and the pleasures de- 
rived from his farm, were now destined to be aban- 
doned for the duties of pubUc life. After many years 
of negotiation and entreaty with Great Britain, — after 
forbearance such as no country in the world ever 
showed before, the congress, unanimously called 
upon by the sound people of that country for the 
purpose, declared war against Great Britain, on the 
grounds clearly set forth in my '^History of the Re- 
gency and Reign of George the Fourth,^^ and particu- 
larly in the paragraph 297 of that history. 

13. The government of the United States, during 
the same year in which they declared the war, made 
preparations for calling out volunteers for the de- 
fence of the country. Jackson, then happy on his 
farm, in the neighbourhood of Nashville, which lies 
about the middle of the fine state of Tennessee, 
which is bounded to the north by Kentucky, to the 
east by the Allegany mountains, to the south by the 
states of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and to 
the west by the great river Mississippi, — Jackson, 
happy on his farm, in the midst of this fine and»ilour. 
ishing state, and retired, as he apparently thought, 
forever, irom all public affairs, though only forty- 
five years of age, — retired, as he thought, for ever. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 25 

was again roused by the insults offered to his coun- 
try, by tiie wrongs inflicted upon her citizens, and 
by the recollections, no doubt, of the death of his 
mother, of the death of his brother Robert, of the 
cause of those deaths; and, if he could have for- 
gotten the horrid account of the injuries inflicted 
upon the country of his fither and his mother, there 
was that scar on his hand, inflicted by a British ofli- 
cer, who had aimed a blow at his life because he had 
refused to clean the dirt off his boots; there was 
that scar to keep his virtuous resentment alive, even 
if he could have forgotten the wrongs of Ireland, 
<ind the ruin and extermination of every relation in 
the world. 

14. Nevertheless, he did not seek a command in 
the regular army which was about to be raised; but 
the congress, having passed an act, in February, and 
another in July, 1812, authorizing the president (then 
Madison) to accept of the services of fifty thousand 
volunteers, he addressed the citizens of his division, 
and twenty-five hundred flocked to his standard. 
A tender of them having been made, and the offer 
accepted, in November, 1812, he received orders to 
place himself at their head and to descend the Mis- 
sissippi, for the defence of the lower country, which 
was then supposed to be in danger. Accordingl)'-, 
on the 10th of December, 1812,those troops rendez- 
voused at Nashville, prepared to advance to the place 
of their destination; and although the weather was 
then excessively severe, and the ground covered 
with snow, no troops could have displayed greater 
firmness. The general was every where with them 
inspiring them with the ardour that animated his 
own bosom. The cheerful spirit with which they 
3 



^6 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

submitted to hardships and bore privations, on the 
very onset of their mihtary career, as well as the 
order and subordination they so readily observed, 
were happy presages of what was to be expected 
when they should be directed to face an enemy. 

15. Natches is a town on the banks of the Missis- 
sippi, full three hundred miles from Nashville, and 
about a hundred miles from New-Orleans, which is 
near the mouths of the Mississippi. Natches was 
the place of rendezvous. He arrived there in the 
month of January; and, very soon afterward, there 
took place a transaction which gave the government 
of the United States a specimen of that inflexibility 
of character in him which has since been so fullv de-- 
veloped, under circumstances of greater peril than- 
any other man has ever had to encounter. 

16. Having procured supplies, and made the ne-- 
cessary arrangements for an active campaign, they 
proceeded, the 7th of January, 1813, on their jour- 
ney; and, descending the Ohio and Mississippi, 
through cold and ice, arrived and halted at Natches. 
Here Jackson had been instructed to remain until 
he should receive further orders. Having chosen a 
healthy site for the encampment of his troops, he de- 
voted his time, with the utmost industry, to training 
and preparing them for active service. The clouds 
of war, however, in that quarter, having blown over, 
an order was received from the secretary of war, 
dated the 5th of January, 1813, directing him, on 
the receipt thereof, to dismiss those under his com- 
mand from service, and to take measures for dehyer- 
ing over every article of public property in his pos- 
session to Brigadier-general Wilkinson. When this 
order reached hia camp, there were one hundred and 
fifty on the sick report, fifty-six of whom were una- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 27 

ble to raise their heads, and almost the whole of them 
destitute of the means of defraymg the expenses of 
their return. The consequence of a strict comph- 
ance with the secretary's order inevitably would 
have been, that many of the sick must have perish- 
ed, while most of the others, from their destitute con- 
dition, would, of necessity, have been compelled to 
enlist in the regular army, under General Wilkinson. 
Such alternatives were neither congenial with their 
general's wishes nor such as they had expected, on 
adventuring with him in the service of their country; 
he had carried them from home, and, the fate of war 
and disease apart, it was his duty, he believed, to 
bring them back. Whether an expectation that, by 
this plan, many of them would be compelled into the 
regular ranks, had formed any part of the motive 
that occasioned the order for their discharsfe at so 
great a distance from home, cannot be known; and 
it would be uncharitable to insinuate against the go- 
vernment so serious and foul an accusation, without 
the strongest evidence to support it. Be this as it 
may, General Jackson could not think of sacrificing 
or injuring an army that had shown such devotedness 
to their country; and he determined to disregard the 
order, and march them again to their homes, where 
they had been imbodied, rather than discharge them 
where they would be exposed to the greatest hard- 
ships and dangers. To this measure he was prompt- 
ed, not only by the reasons already mentioned, but 
by the consideration that many of the troops under 
his command were young men, the children of his 
neighbours and acquaintances, who had delivered 
them into his hands, as to a guardian, who, with pa- 
rental solicitude, would watch over and protect their 
welfare. To have abandoned them, therefore, at 



28 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

such a time, and under such circumstances, would 
have drawn on him the merited censure of the most 
deserving part of his fellow-citizens, and sensibly- 
wounded his own generous feelings. Add to this, 
those young men who were confined by sickness, 
learning the nature of the order he had received, im- 
plored him, with tears in their eyes, not to abandon 
them in so great an extremity, reminding him, at the 
same time, of his assurances that he would be to them 
as a father, and of the implicit confidence they had 
placed in his word. This was an appeal which it 
would have been difficult for the feelings of Jackson 
to have resisted, had it been without the support of 
other weighty considerations; but, mfluenced by 
them all, he had no hesitation in coming to a deter- 
mination. 

17. Having made known his resolution to the 
field-officers of his division, it met, apparently, their 
approbation; but, after retiring from his presence, 
they assembled late at night, in secret caucus, and 
proceeded to recommend to him an abandonment of 
his purpose, and an immediate discharge of his troops. 
Great as was the astonishment which this measure 
excited in the general, it produced a still higher sen- 
timent of indignation. In reply, he urged the dupH- 
city of their conduct, and reminded them, that al- 
though to those who possessed funds and health such 
a course could produce no inconvenience, yet to the 
unfortunate soldier, who was alike destitute of both, 
no measure could be more calamitous. He conclud- 
ed by telling them that his resolution, not having 
been hastily concluded on, nor bottomed on light con- 
siderations* was unalterably fixed; and that immedi- 
ate preparations must be made for carrying into ex- 
ecution the determination he had formed. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 29 

18. He lost no time in making known to the se- 
cretary of war the resolution he had adopted, to dis- 
regard the order he had given, and to return his ar- 
my to the place where he had received it. He 
painted in strong terms the evils which the course 
pursued by the government was calculated to pro- 
duce, and expressed the astonishment he felt that it 
should have originated with the once redoubted ad- 
vocate of soldiers' rights. 

19. General Wilkinson, to whom the public pro- 
perty was directed to be delivered, learning the de- 
termination which had been taken by Jackson, to 
march his troops back, and to take with them so 
much of that property as should be necessary to 
their return, in a letter of solemn and mysterious im- 
port admonished him of the consequences which were 
before him, and of the awful and dangerous respon- 
sibility he was taking on himself by so bold a mea- 
sure. General Jackson replied, that his conduct, 
and the consequences to which it might lead, had 
been deliberately weighed and well considered, and 
that he was prepared to abide the result, whatever it 
might be. Wilkinson had previously given orders 
to his officers to recruit from Jackson's army; they 
were advised, however, on their first appearance, 
that those troops were already in the service of the 
United States, and that, thus situated, they should not 
be enlisted; and that he would arrest and confine the 
first officer who dared to enter his encampment with 
any such object in view. 

20. The quarter-masler, having been ordered to 
furnish the necessary transportation for the convey- 
ance of the sick and the baggage to Tennessee, im- 
mediately set about the performance of the task; but, 

3* 



30 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

as the event proved, with not the least intention of 
executing it. Still, he continued to keep up the sem- 
blance of exertion; and the better to deceive, the 
very day before that which had been appointed for 
breaking up the encampment and commencing the 
return march, eleven wagons arrived there by his 
order. The next morning, however, when every 
thing was about to be packed up, acting doubtless 
from orders, and intending to produce embarrass- 
ment, the quarter master entered the encampment, 
and discharged the whole. He was grossly mistak- 
en in the man he had to deal with, and had now 
played his tricks too far to be able to accomplish the 
object which he had, no doubt, been instructed to ef- 
fect. Disregarding their dismissal, so evidently de- 
signed to prevent his marching back his men. Gene- 
ral Jackson seized upon these wagons, yet within 
his lines, and compelled them to proceed to the trans- 
portation of his sick. It deserves to be recollected 
that this quarter-master, so soon as he received di- 
rections for furnishing transportation, had despatched 
an express to General Wilkinson; and there can be 
but little doubt, that the course of duplicity he after- 
ward pursued was a concerted plan between him 
and that general to defeat the design of Jackson, 
compel him to abandon the course he had adopted, 
and in this way draw to the regular army many of 
the soldiers, who, from necessity, would be driven to 
enlist. In this attempt they were fortunately disap- 
pointed. Adhering to his original purpose, he suc- 
cessfully resisted every stratagem of Wilkinson, and 
marched the whole of his division to the section of 
country whence they had been drawn, and dismissed 
them from service, as he had been instructed. 
21. To present an example that might buoy up 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 31 

the sinking spirits of his troops, in the long and ar- 
duous niarcli before them, he yielded up his horses to 
the sick, and, trudging on foot, he encountered all 
the hardships that were met by the soldiers. It was 
at a time of year when the roads were extremely 
bad, and the swamps lying in their passage deep and 
full; yet, under these circumstances, he placed be- 
fore his troops an example of patience and hardship 
that lulled to silence all complaints, and won to him, 
still stronger than before, the esteem and respect of 
every one. On arriving at Nashville, he communi* 
catcd to the president of the Uniied States the course 
he had pursued, and the reasons that had induced it. 
If it had become necessary, he had sufficient grounds 
on which he could have justified his conduct. Had 
he suffered General Wilkinson to have accomplished 
what was clearly his intention, although it was an 
event which miglit at the moment have benefited the 
service, by adding an increased strength to the ar- 
my, yet the examj)le would have been of so serious 
and exceptionable a character, that injury would 
have been the final and unavoidable result. Wheth- 
er the intention of thus forcing these men to enlist 
into the regular ranks had its existence under the di- 
rection of the government or not, such would have 
been the universal belief; and all would have felt a 
deep abhorrence at beholding the patriots of the 
country drawn olT from their homes under pretence 
of danger; while the concealed design was, by in- 
creasing their necessities at a distance from their re- 
sidence, to compel them to an act which they would 
have abstained from under dilTerent circumstances. 
His conduct, terrible as it first appeared, was in the 
end approved, and the expenses incurred directed to 
be paid by the government. 



32 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

22. It may be prudent, and it is doubtless patriotic, 
to smother this affair up in this manner in the United 
States, and especially when the writer is a member 
of the congress; but I have no motive to smother up 
a transaction so abominably unjust. The truth is, 
that this odious attempt at a violation of compact 
arose from the dirty envy of General Armstrong, 
the secretary at war, of Wilkinson, the commanding 
general, and of all those officers of the United States' 
army who had not the courage to imitate, who had 
not the skill and perseverance to rival, and who had 
not the honesty to acknowledge the superior merit 
of Jackson. Every man whose heart is the seat of 
justice will applaud him for stubbornly resisting these 
crafty suggestions of envy; and it should be told 
here, that Armstrong, who gave the order for this 
act of oppression, was disgraced and degraded, not 
many months afterward, for his scandalous neglect 
to prepare for the defence of the city of Washington, 
where he was residing; and that Wilkinson, who was 
appointed to put the order into execution, and to sup- 
plant Jackson, was sufficiently disgraced, in less than 
two years from that day, on the confines of Canada. 
But there never was a man yet, in this world, whom 
every one knew to be full of talent, full of zeal, and 
devotedly disinterested to the cause of his country, — 
there never yet was such a man who was not hated 
and conspired against by all the swarm of men of 
small merit, and especially by every selfish and sham 
patriot. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 33 

CHAPTER III. 

FROM MAY, 1813, TO APRIL, 1814. 

Hi» luJian campaign — Battle after battle — Discontent in his army after dii- 
onlent — Proof aucr proof of fortitude and resolution, each Dieriting the 
admiration of all mankind. 

'22. Jacsk^n, havino^l«iken lils volunteers safely 
back lo their own country, lie discharijecl them, 
there beinj^ little or no expectation of their being 
wanted ay-ain. It ousrht lo be observed because it 
will by-and-by be found to be of great importance, 
that these volunteers had been engaged to serve one 
year out of two, to be computed from the day of 
rendezvous, unless sooner discharged; that is to 
say, they eniraged to beat the command of the gov- 
ernment for the space of two years from the time 
of the first rendezvous; unless they should, before 
the end of the two years, have performed one year's 
service. I beg the reader to bear tliis in mind, for 
he will by-and-by, find it leading lo perils such as 
no man but Jackson ever encountered; or at any 
rate, such as no man but Jackson ever overcame. 

23. There was, at this time (May, 1613) no ap- 
pearance that British hostility would bear against 
any part of Lousiania, in which New-Orleans is 
situated. But the ropose of Jackson and his vol- 
unteers was not of long duration; for the savages, 
instigated by an imi)()6ti)r who went among them, 
calling himself a prophet, who jjave them assuran- 
ces of the aid and protection of Great Britrin, whose 
power and riches he rei)resented as without bounds; 
the sava";es thus insliunted, these wretches of sev- 
eral difl'erent nations, as they are called, made 
incursions into the states of 'I'ennessce, Kentucky 
and other parts, committi!!g murders and cruelties 



34 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

most horrible; they slaughtered women and chil- 
dren with the most savage barbarity. It was ab- 
solutely necessary to punish these bloody mons- 
ters: and, therefore, first the government of Ten- 
nessee, and afterward the geneial government, 
authorised war and an jniiiction of purishment on 
these monsters; and all eyes were turned upon 
Jackson to put an end to this horrible warfare. 

24. He therefore called upon his volunteers, 
who had follovved him to the Natches in the spring 
of the year ; and he appointed the 4th of October 
(1813) for them to meet him, armed and equipped 
lor active service. Jle immediately commenced 
war upon these murderous savages ; and here l 
must desire the English reader to prepaie himself 
for a series of transactions wholly incredible, were 
they not attested by piles of official documents, 
the authenticity of which no man can dispute, it 
would be useful to the English government, the 
English parliament, and bands of paper-money 
makers, who are looking to legal tender ; it would 
be useful to them to look minutely at the trans- 
actions of this Itidian campaign ; fur, having look- 
ed at them, they will perceive that it is madness 
to suppose that all the combinations of banks, and 
bankers, and merchants can ever drive tliis brave 
and inflexibly virtuous man from his purpose. 

25. Before 1 lay before the reader the details 
of this campaign, it will be useful to give a short 
description of the geography of the scene. The 
great river Mississippi, which comes down from 
fifteen or sixteen hundred miles, then is joined 
by the Ohio, and carries it along with it five or 
six hundred miles, down to its mouths, which emp- 
ty themselves in the Gulf of Mexico; this great 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 35 

river bounds to the westward the states of Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and runs through 
the state of Louisiana. The nations of savaires 
called by various names, Creeks, Chtrokees, Choc- 
taws, Cfiickasaws, Bayous, and God knows what 
besides, live in the woods and fastnesses in these 
states, or in thos^e on the western side of the Mis- 
sissippi ; therefore, to leave the j)eople of the Unit- 
ed States exposed to the tomahawks ot these 
bluody monsters would have been scandalous in- 
deed. Jackson was the man chosen to chastise 
them ; and in the wonderful details which I am 
now about to lay before the reader, it will be seen 
that not another man that we have ever heard of 
would have been capable of perlorminjr this duty 
with success; and when the reader has gone 
through these details, anil has afterwai d witnessed 
the glorious defence of New-Orleans, he will still 
recur to thii Indian campaign as the n^ost glorious 
exploit of this wondeiful man; a can»paign merit- 
ing greater praise than ten thousand lives like that 
of Wellington, and yet a campaign which was 
never yet heard of in England ; this country of 
learning, of literature, of researches, and ot know- 
ledge of all sorts; this country which has poured 
out travellers to penetrate into every part of the 
United States, but which has never sent one to dis- 
cover and send home an account of this campaign. 
AN'ith these preliminary remarks I enter upon the 
details of this campaign. I need not bespeak the 
reader's wonder and admiration ; fur the man who 
will not admire here is hardly worthy of the name 
of man. 

£6. These multiplied outrages at length attract- 
ed the attention ot the general government, and 
application was made, through their agent (Colo- 



LIFE OF ANDRRW JACKSON. 36 

lie! Hawkins), to the principal chiefs of the nation, 
who, desirous of preserving their friendly rela- 
tions with the United States, resolved to punish, 
the murderers with death, and immediately ap- 
pointed a party of warriors to carry their determi- 
nation into execution. No sooner was tliis done, 
than the spirit of the greater part of the nation, 
whicli from policy had been kept, in a considera- 
ble degree, dormant, suddenly burst to a Hame, 
and kindled into civil war. 

27. It was not difficult for the friends of those 
murderers who had been put to death, to prevail 
on others, who secretly applauded the acts for 
which they suffered, to enter warmly into their re- 
sentments against those who had been concerned 
in bringing them to punishment. An occasion, 
as they believed, was now presented, which fully 
authorized them to throw aside all those injunc- 
tions of secrecy, with regard to their hostile inten- 
tions, which had been imposed on them by Te- 
cumseh and their prophets. This restraint, which 
hitherto they had regarded with much difficulty, 
they now resolved to lay aside, and to execute at 
once their insatiate and long-projected vengeance, 
not only on the white people, but on those of their 
own nation who, by this last act of retaliatory 
justice, had unequivocally shown a disposition to 
preserve their friendship with the former. The 
cloak of concealment being now thrown aside, 
the war-clubs* were immediately seen in every 
section of the nation, but more particularly among, 

* Instruments used by the Indian tribes on commencing hostilitica; 
and which, when painted red, they consider a declaration of war. They 
are formed of a stick, about eighteen inches in length, with a strong 
piece of sharp iron affixed at the end, and resemble a hatchet. Tbey 
use them principally in pursuit, and after they have been able to intro- 
duce confusion into the ranks of an enemy. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 37 

the numerous hordes residing near the Ala- 
bama. Brandishing these in their hands, they 
rushed, in the first instance, on those of their 
own countrymen who had shown a disposition 
to preserve their relations with the United 
States, and obliged them to retire towards the 
white settlements, and place themselves in forts, 
to escape the first ebullition of their rage. En- 
couraged by this success, and their numbers, which 
hourly increased, and infatuated to the highest de- 
gree by the predictions of their prophets, who as- 
sured them tiiat "the Groat Spirit" was on their 
side, and would enable them to triumph over all 
their enemies; they began to make immediate pre- 
parations for extending their ravages to the white 
settlements. Fort Mimms, situated in the Ten- 
saw settlement in the Mississippi territory, was 
the first point destined to satiate their cruelty and 
vengeance. It contained, at that time, about one 
hundred and fifty men, under the command of 
Major Beasley, besides a considerable number of 
women and children, who had betaken themselves 
to it for security. Having collected a supply of 
ammunition from the Spaniards at Pensacola, and 
assembled their warriors to the number of six or 
seven hundred, the war party, commanded by 
Weatherford, a distinguished chief of the nation, 
on the 30th of August, 1813, commenced their 
assault on the fort; and havinor succeeded in car- 
rying it, put to death nearly three hundred per- 
sons, including women and children, with the 
most savage barbarity. The slaughter was indis- 
criminate ; mercy was extended to none ; and the 
tomahawk, at the same stroke, often cleft the 
mother and the child. But seventeen of the whole 
i 



38 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

number in the fort escaped to bring intelligence 
of the dreadful catastrophe. This monstrous and 
unprovoked outrage no sooner reached Tennes- 
see than the whole state was thrown into a fer- 
ment, and nothing was thought or spoken of but 
retaliatory vengeance. Considerable excitement 
had already been produced by brutalities of earlier 
date, and measures had been adopted by the gov- 
ernor, in conformity with instructions from the se- 
cretary of war, for commencing a campaign against 
them ; but the massacre at Fort Mimms, which 
threatened to be followed by the entire destruc- 
tion of the Mobile and Tombifrbee settlements, 
inspired a deep and universal sentiment of solici- 
tude, and an earnest wish for speedy and effectual 
operations. The anxiety felt on the occasion was 
greatly increased, from an apprehension that Gen- 
eral Jackson would not be able to command. He 
was the only man known in the state who was be- 
lieved qualitied to discharge the arduous duties of 
the station, and who could carry with him the 
complete confidence of his soldiers. He was at 
this time seriously indisposed, and confined to his 
room with a fractured arm : but although this ap- 
prehension was seriously indulged, arrangements 
were in progress, and measures industriously ta- 
ken, to prepare and press the expedition with 
every possible despatch. 

28. A numerous collection of respectable citi- 
zens, who convened at Nashville on the 18th of 
September, 1813, for the purpose of devising the 
most effectual ways and means of affording pro- 
tection to their brethren in distress, after confer- 
ring with the governor and General Jackson, who 
was still confined to his room, strongly advised 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. 39 

was still confined to his room, strono*ly advised 
the propriety of marching a sufficient army into 
the heart of the Creek nation; and accordingly 
recommended this measure with great earnestness 
to the legislature, which, in a few days afterward, 
commenced its session. That body, penetrated 
with the same sentiments which animated the 
whole country, immediately enacted a law, auth- 
orizing the executive to call into the field thirty- 
five hundred of the militia, to be marched against 
the Indians ; and to guard against all difficulties, 
in the event the general government should omit 
to adopt them into their service, three hundred 
thousand dollars were voted for their support. 

29. Additional reasons weie at hand why active 
operations should be commenced with the least 
possible delay. The settlers were all fleeing to 
the interior, and every day brought intelligence 
that the Creeks, collected in considerable force, 
were bending their course towards the frontiers of 
Tennessee. The jjovernor now issued an order 
to General Jackson, who, notwithstanding the 
state of his health, had determined to assume the 
command, requiring him to call *>ut, and rendez- 
vous at Fayetievilic, in the shortest possible time, 
two thousand of the militia and volunteers of his 
division, to repel any invasion that might be con- 
templated. Colonel Codee, in addition to five 
hundred calvary already raised and under his com- 
mand, was authorized and instructed to organize 
and receive into his regiment any mounted rifle- 
men that might make a tender of their services. 

30. Having received these orders, Jackson hast- 
ened to give them effect ; and with this object, and 
with a view to greater expedition, appealed to 



40 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

volunteers who, with him, had lieretofore descend- 
ed the Mississippi to Natches. Fie urged them 
to appear at the place designated for the rendez- 
vous on the 4th of October, 1613, equipped and 
armed for active service. He pointed out the im- 
perious necessity which demanded their services, 
and urged them to be punctual ; for that their fron- 
tiers were threatened with invasion by a savage 
foe. "Already are large bodies of the hostile 
Creeks marching to your borders, with their scalp- 
ing-knives unsheathed, to butcher your women 
and children; time is not- to be lost. We must 
hasten to the frontier, or we shall find it drenched 
in the blood of our citizens. The health of your 
j»;eneral is restored — he will command in person." 
In the meantime until this force could be collect- 
ed and organized, Colonel Coffee, with the force 
then under his command, and such additional 
mounted riflemen as could be attached at a short 
notice, was directed to hasten forward to the neigh- 
bourhood of Huntsville, and occupy some eligible 
position for the defence of the frontier, until the 
infantry should arrive; when it was contemplated, 
by the nearest possible route, to press on to Fort 
St. Stephen, with a view to the protection and de- 
fence of Mississippi. 

31. P2very exertion was now made to hasten the 
preparations for a vigorous campaign. Orders 
were given to the quarter-master to furnish the ne- 
cessary munitions, with the proper transportation ; 
and to the contractors, to provide ample supplies 
of provisions. The day of their rendezvous being 
arrived, and the general not being sufficiently le- 
covered to attend in person, he forwarded by his 
aid-de-camp. Major Reid, an address, lobe read 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 41 

to the troops, accompanied by an order for the es- 
tablishment of the police of the camp. In this ad- 
dress he pointed to the unprovoked injuries that 
had been so long inflicted by this horde of merci- 
less and cruel savages, and entreated his soldiers 
to evince that zeal in the defence of their country 
which the importance of the moment so much re- 
quired. "We are about to furnish these savages 
a lesson of admonition; we are about to teach 
them that our long forbearance has not proceeded 
from an insensibility to wrongs, or an inability to 
redress them. They stand in need of such warn- 
ing. In proportion as we have borne with their 
insults and submitted to their outrages, they have 
multiplied in number and increased in atrocity. 
But the measure of their oflences is at leniith filled. 
The blood of our women and children, recently 
spilt at Fort Mimms, calls for our vengeance; it 
must not call in vain. Ourbordcrs must no Ioniser 
be disturbed by the war-whoop of these savages, 
and the cries of their sutferini; victims. The torch 
that has been lighted up must be made to blaze in 
the heart of their own country. It is time they 
should be made to feel the weight of a power which, 
because it was merciful, they believed to be impo- 
tent. But how shall a war so long forborne, and so 
loudly called for by retributive justice, be waged! 
Shall we imitate the example of our enemies, in the 
disorder of their movements and the savageness of 
their dispositions? Is it worthy the character of 
American soldiers, who take up arms to redress the 
wrongs of an injured country, to assume no better 
model than that furnished them by barbarians! No, 
fellow-soldiersr; great as are the grievances that 
4* 



42 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

have called us from our homes, we must not permit 
disorderly passions to tarnish the reputation we shall 
carry along with us: we must and will be victorious; 
but we must conquer as men who owe nothing to 
chance, and who, in the midst of victory, can still 
be mindful ot what is due to humanity! 

32. " We will commence the campaign by an 
inviolable attention to disciphne and subordination. 
Without a strict observance of these, victory must 
ever be uncertain, and ought hardly to be exulted 
iu even when gained. To what but the entire dis- 
regard of order and subordination are we to as- 
cribe the disasters which have attended our arms 
in the north during the present war? How glorious 
will it be to remove the blots which have tarnished 
the fair character bequeathed us by the fathers of 
of our revolution! The bosom of your general is full 
hope. He knows the ardour which animates you, and 
already exults in the triumph which your strict obser- 
vance of discipline and good order will render certain. " 

33. For the police of his camp, he announced the 
following order: 

"The chain of sentinels will be marked, and the 
sentries posted, precisely at ten o'clock to-day. 

"No sutler wiil be sulfered to sell spirituous liquors 
to any soldier, without permission in writing from a 
commissioned officer, under the penalties prescribed 
by the rules and articles of war. 

"No citizen will be permitted to pass the chain of 
sentinels, after retreat-beat in the evening, until 
reveille in the morning. Drunkenness, the bane of 
ail orderly encampments, is positively forbidden, 
both in officers and privates : officers, under the 
penalty of immediate arrest: and privates, of being 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 43 

placed under guard, there to remain until liberated 
by a court-martial. 

"At reveille-beat, all officers and soldiers are to 
appear on parade, with their arms and accoutre, 
ments in proper order. 

"On parade, silence, the duty of a soldier, is posi- 
tively commanded. 

"No officer or soldier is to sleep out of camp, but 
by permission obtained." 

.*34. These rules, to those who had scarcely yet 
passed the line that separates the cisizen from the 
soldier, and had not yet laid aside the notions of 
self-sovereignty, had the appearance of too much 
rigour; but the general well knew that the expedi- 
tion in which they were embarked involved much 
hazard, and that although such lively feelings were 
manifested now, yet when hardships pressed, these 
might cease, lie considered it much safer, there- 
fore, to lay before them, at once, the rules of con- 
duct to which they must conform; believing that it 
would be more difficult to drive licentiousness from 
his camp than to prevent its entrance. 

35. Impatient to join his division, although his 
health was far from being restored, his arm only be- 
ginning to heal, the general, in a few days after- 
ward, set out for the encamjnnent, and reached it on 
the 7th of October, 1813. Finding, on his arrival, 
that the requisition was not complete, either in the 
number of men or the necessary equipments, mea- 
sures were instantly taken to remedy the deficiency. 

Orders were directed to the several brigadiers in 
his division to hasten immediately their respective 
quotas, fully equipped for active operations. 

o(). Circumstances did not permit him to re- 



44 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

main at this place long enough to have the de- 
linquencies complained of remedied, and the ranks 
of his army filled. Colonel Coffee had proceed- 
ed with his mounted volunteers to cover Hunts- 
ville, and give security to the frontiers, where 
alarm greatly prevailed. On the night of the 8th, 
a letter was received from him, dated two days be- 
fore, advising that two Indians belonging to the 
peace party, had just arrived at the Tennessee ri- 
ver, from Chinnaby's fort, on the Coosa, with in- 
formation that the war party had despatched eight 
hundred or a thousand of their warriors to attack 
the frontiers of Georgia; and, wiih the remainder 
of their forces, were marching against Huntsville, 
or Fort Hampton. In consequence of this intel- 
ligence, exertions were made to hasten a move- 
ment. Late on the following night another ex- 
press arrived, confirming the former siatement, 
and representing the enemy, in great force, to be 
rapidly approaching the Tennessee. Orders were 
now given for preparing the line of march, and by 
nine o'clock the next day the whole division was 
in motion. They had not proceeded many miles, 
when they were met with intelligence that Colo- 
nel Gibson, who had been sent out by Coffee to 
reconnoitre the movements of the enemy, had 
been killed by their advance. A strong desire had 
been manifested to be led forward; that desire was 
now strengthened by the information just receiv- 
ed; and It was with difficulty their emotions 
could be restrained. They accelerated their pace, 
and before eight o'clock at night arrived at Hunts- 
ville, a distance of thirtj-two miles. Learning 
here that the information was erroneous which 
had occasioned so hasty a movement, the general 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 45 

encamped his troops; having intended to inarch 
them that niijht to the Tennessee river, had it been 
confirmed. The next day the line of march was 
resumed. The influence of the late excitement 
was now visible in the lassitude which followed 
its removal. Proceeding slowly, they crossed the 
Tennessee, at Ditto's landing, and united in the 
evening with Colonel Coffee's regiment, which 
had previously occupied a commanding bluff on 
the south bank of the river. From this place, a 
few days afterward, Jackson detached Colonel 
Coffee, with seven hundred men, to scour the 
Black Warrior, a stream running from the north- 
east, and emptying into the Tombigbee; on 
which were supposed to be settled several popu- 
lous villages of the enemy. He himself remained 
at this encampment a week, using the utmost 
pains in training his troops for service, and labor- 
ing incessantly to procure the necessary supplies for 
a campaign, which he had determined to carry 
directly into the heart of the enemy's country. 
Towards the latter object his industry had been 
employed, and his attention invariably directed, 
from the time the expedition was projected. 

37. With General Cocke, who commanded the 
division of East Tennessee militia, an arrange- 
ment had been made the preceding month, in 
which he had eno-acred to furnish larofe quantities 
of bread-stuff, at Ditto's landing. The facility of 
procuring it in that quarter, and the convenient 
transportation afforded by the river, left no doubt 
on the mind of Jackson but that the engagement 
would be punctually complied with. To provide, 
however, against the bare possibility of a failure, 
and to be guarded against all contingencies that 



46 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

might happen, he had addressed his applications 
to various other sources. He had, on the same 
subject, written in the most pressing manner to 
the governor of Georgia, with whose forces it was 
proposed to act in concert; to Colonel Meigs, 
agent of the Cherokee nation of Indians; and to 
General White, who commanded the advance of 
the East Tennessee troops. Previously to his ar- 
rival at Huntsville, he had received assurances 
from the two latter that a considerable supply of 
flour, for the use of his army, had been procured, 
and was then at Hiwassee, where boats were rea- 
dy to transport it. From General Cocke himself, 
about the same time a letter was received, stating 
that a hundred and fifty barrels of flour were then 
on the way to his encampment; and expressing a 
belief that he should be able to procure, and for- 
ward on immediately, a thousand barrels more. 
With pressing importunity, he had addressed him- 
self to the contractors, and they had given him as- 
surances, that on his crossing the Tennessee, they 
would be prepared with twenty days' rations for 
his whole command; but finding on his arrival at 
Ditto's, that their preparations were not in such 
forwardness as he had been led to expect, he was 
compelled for a time to suspend any active and 
general operations. Calculating, however, with 
great confidence, on exertions which he had been 
promised should be unremitting, and on the speedy 
arrival of those supplies, descending the river, 
which had been already unaccountably delayed, he 
hoped, in a few days, to be placed in a situation to 
act efficiently. While he was encouraged by these 
expectations, and only waning their fulfilment, 
that he might advance, Shelocta, the son of Chin- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 47 

naby, a principal ciiief among the friendly Creeks, 
arrived at his camp, to solicit his speedy move- 
ment for the relief of his father's fort, which was 
then threated by a considerable body of the war 
party, who had advanced to the neighbourhood of 
the Ten Islands, on the Coosa. Influenced by 
liis representations, and anxious to extend relief, 
Jackson, on the 18th, gave orders for taking up 
the line of march on the following day, and no- 
tified the contractors of this arrangement, that 
they might be prepared to issue, immediately, 
such supplies as they had on hand: but, to his great 
astonishment, he then, for the first time, was appriz- 
ed of their entire inability to supply him while on 
his march. Having drawn what they had in their 
power to furnish, amounting to only a few days' ra- 
tions, they were deposed from office, and others ap- 
pointed, on whose industry and performance he be- 
lieved he might more safely rely. The scarcity of 
his provisions, however, at a moment like the pre- 
sent, when there was every appearance that the ene- 
my might be met, and a blow stricken to advantage, 
was not sufficient to wave his determination already 
taken. The route he would have to take to gain 
the fort lay for a considerable distance up the river: 
might not the boats, long expected from Hiwassee, 
and which he felt strongly assured must be near at 
hand, be met with on the way? He determined to 
proceed; and having passed his army and baggage- 
wagons over several mountains of stupendous size, 
^nd such as were thought almost impassable by foot- 
passengers, he arrived, on the 22d of October, at 
Thompson's creek, which empties into the Tennes- 
see, twenty-four miles above Ditto's. At this place 
he proposed the establishment of a permanent depot. 



48 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

for the reception of supplies to be sent either up or 
down the river. Disappointed in the hopes with 
which he had ventured on his march, he remained 
here several days, in expectation of the boats that 
were coming to his rehef. Thus harassed at the 
first onset, by difficulties wholly unexpected, and 
which, from the numerous and strong assurancs re- 
ceived, he could by no means have calculated on; 
fearing, too, that the same disregard of duty might 
induce a continuance, he lost no time in opening eve- 
ry avenue to expedient, that the chances of future 
failure might be diminished. To General Flournoy, 
who commanded at Mobile, he applied, urging him 
to procure bread-stuff, and have it forwarded up the 
Alabama by the time he should arrive on that river. 
The agent of the Choctaws, Colonel M'Kee, who was 
then on the Tombigbee, was addressed in the same 
style of entreaty. Expresses were despatched to 
General White, who, with the advance of the East 
Tennessee division, had arrived at the Look-out 
mountain, in the Cherokee nation, urging him, by 
all means, to hasten on the supplies. The assistance 
of the governor of Tennessee was also earnestly be- 
sought. To facilitate exertion, and to assure suc- 
cess, every thing within his reach was attempted: 
several persons of wealth and patriotism, in Madison 
county, were solicited to afford the contractors all 
the aid in their power; and to induce them more 
readily to extend it, their deep interest immediately 
at stake was pointed to, and their deplorable and 
dangerous situation, should necessity compel him to 
withdraw his army, and leave them exposed to the 
mercy of the savages. 

38. While these measures were taking, two run- 
ners from Turkey-town, an Indian village, despatch- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. -19 

ciU by Path-killer, a cliicfofthe Clierokees, arrived 
at the camp. Tlicy brought information that the 
enemy, from nine of tlie liostile towns, were assem- 
bling in great force near tiie Ten Islands; and soli, 
cited that immediate assistance should be afforded 
the friendly Creeks and Chcrokees in their neigh- 
bourhood, who were exposed to such imminent dan- 
ger. His want of provisions was not yet remedied; 
but distributing the partial supply that was on hand, 
he resolved to proceed, in expectation that the relief 
he had so earnestly looked for would in a little while 
arrive, and be furwarded to him. To prepare his 
troops for an engagement, whicii he foresaw was 
soon to take place, he thus addressed them: 

39. "You have, fellow-soldiei*s, at lengtii pcne- 
Iratcd the country of your enemies. It is not to bo 
believed that they will abandon the soil that imbo- 
soms the bones of their forefathers, without furnish- 
ing you an op[)ortunity of signalizing your valour. 
Wise men do not expect, brave men will not desire 
it. It was not to travel uimiolested through a bar- 
ren wilderness that you quitted your families and 
homes, and submitted to so many privations; it was 
to avenge the cruelties committed upon our defence- 
less frontiers by the inhuman Creeks, instigated by 
their no less inhuman alliesj^you shall not be disap- 
pointed. If the enemy llee before us, we will over- 
take and chastise him; we will teach him how dread- 
ful, when once aroused, is the resentment of freemen. 
But it is not by boasting that punishment is to be in- 
flicted, or victory obtained. The same resolution 
that prompted us to take up arms must inspire us in 
battle. Men thus animated, and thus resolved, bar- 
barians can never conquer; and it is au enemy bar- 
5 



50 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

barous in the extreme that we have now to face. 
Their rehance will be on the damage they can do 
you while you are asleep, and unprepared for action: 
their hopes shall fail them in the hour of experiment. 
Soldiers who know their duty, and are ambitious to 
perform it, arc not to be taken by surprise. Our 
sentinels will never sleep, nor our soldiers be unpre- 
pared for action: yet, while it is enjoined upon the 
sentinels vigilantly to watch the approach of the foe, 
they are at the same time commanded not to fire at 
shadows. Imaginary danger must not deprive them 
of entire self-possession. Our soldiers will lie with 
their arms in their hands; and the moment an alarm 
is given, they will move to their respective positions 
without noise and without confusion; they will be 
thus enabled to hear the orders of their officers, and 
to obey them with promptitude. 

40. "Great reliance will be placed by the enemy 
on the consternation they may be able to spread 
through our ranks by the hideous yells with which 
they commence their battles; but brave men will 
laugh at such efforts to alarm them. It is not by 
bellowings and screams that the wounds of death are 
inflicted. You will teach these noisy assailants how 
weak are their weapons of warfare, by opposing 
them with the bayonet; what Indian ever withstood 
its charge? what army of any nation, ever withstood 
it long? 

41. "Yes, soldiers, the order for a charge will be 
the signal for victory. In that moment, your enemy 
will be seen fleeing in every direction before you. 
But in the moment of action, coolness and delibera- 
tion must be regarded; your fires made with preci- 
sion and aim; and when ordered to charge with the 
bayonet, you must proceed to the assault with a 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 51 

quick and firm step; without trepidatiou or alarm. 
Then shall you behold the completion of your hopes 
in the discomfiture of your enemy. Your general, 
whose duty, as well as inclination, is to watch over 
your safety, will not, to gratify any wishes of his 
own, rush you unnecessarily into danger. He 
knows, however, tliat it is not in assailing an enemy 
that men are destroyed; it is wlien rctreatmg and in 
confusion. Aware of this, he will be prompted as 
much by a ref^ard for your lives as your honour. 
He laments that lie has been comi)elied, even inci- 
dentally, to hint at a retreat when speaking to free- 
men and to soldiers. Never, until you forget all 
that is due to yourselves and your country, will you 
have any practical understanding of that word. 
Shall an enemy wholly unacquainted with military 
evolutions, and who rely more for victory on their 
grim visages and hideous yells than upon their bra- 
very or their weapons — shall such an enemy ever 
drive before them the well-trained youtlis of our 
country, whose bosoins pant for glory, and a desire 
to avenge the wrongs they have received? Your 
general will not live to behold such a spectacle; ra- 
ther would he rush into the thickest of the enemy, 
and submit himself to their seal ping-knives: but he 
has no fears of such a result. He knows the valour 
of the men he commands, and now certainly that 
valour, regulated as it will be, will lead to victory. 
With his soldiers he will face all dangers, and with 
them participate in the glory of conquest." 

42. Having thus prepared the minds of his men, 
and brought to their view the kind of foe with whom 
they were shortly to contend, and having also, by his 
expresses, instructed General White to form a junc- 
tion with him, and to hasten on all the supplies in his 



62 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

j>ower to command, with about six days' rations of 
meat, and less than two of meal, he again put his 
army in motion to meet tiie enemy. Although 
there was some hazard in advancing into a country 
where relief was not to be expected, with such limit- 
ed preparation, yet, believing that his contractors, 
lately installed, would exert themselves to tiie utmost 
to forward suppHes, and that amid the variety of ar- 
rangements made all could not fail, and well aware 
that his delaying longer might be productive of ma- 
ny disadvantages, his determination was taken to set 
out immediately in quest of the enemy. He replied 
to the Path-killer, by iiis runners, that he should 
proceed directly for tlie Coosa, and solicited him to 
be diligent in making discoveriesof the situation and 
collected forces of the savages, and to give him, as 
early as possible, the result ot his inquiries. 

43. "The hostile Creeks," he remarked to liim, 
"will not attack you until they have had a brush 
with me: and that, I think, will put them out of the 
notion of fighting for some time." 

44. He requested, if he had, or could any how 
procure, provisions for his army, that he would send 
tiiem, or advise where they might be had: "You 
shall be well paid, and have my thanks into the bar- 
gain. I shall stand most in need of corn-meal, but 
sha 1 be thankful for any kind of provisions, and in- 
deed for wliatever will support life." 

45. The army had advanced but a short distance 
when unexpected embarrassments were again pre- 
sented. Information was received, by which it was 
clearly ascertained that the present contractors, who 
had been so much and so certainly relied on, could 
not, uith all their exertions, procure the necessary 
supplies. Major Rose, in the quarter-mastcr's depart- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 53 

ment, who had been sent into Madison county to 
aid them in their endeavours, having satisfied him- 
self, as well from dieir own admissions as from 
evidence derived from other sources, that their 
want of funds, and consequent want of credit, ren- 
dered them a very unsafe dependence, had returned, 
and disclosed the facts to tlie general. He stated 
that there were there persons of fortune and ir- 
dustrv who mi'dit be confided in, and who would 
be willinir to contract f jr the armv if it were ncces- 
sary. Jackson lost no time in embracing this jilan, 
and gave the contract to Mr. Pope, upon whose 
means and exertions, Ik- hoj)ed, every reliance 
miglit be safely reposed. To the other contractors 
lie \vr<»te, inlorming them of the clmngo that had 
been made, and the reasons which had induced it. 

40. "1 am advised," said he, '-that you have 
candidly acknowledged you have it not in your 
power to 'execute the contract in which you have 
engaged. Do not think I mean to cast any reflec- 
tion — very far from it. I am excccduigly pleased 
with the exertions you have made, and feel myself 
under many obligations of gratitude for them. The 
critical situation of alfairs when you entered into 
the contract being considered, you have done all 
that individuals in your circumstances could have 
performed. But you must be well convinced, tiiat 
any approbation which may be felt by the com- 
mander of an army fjr past services ought not to 
become, through kindness to you, tlie occasion of 
that army's destruction. Fj-om the admissions you 
have been candid enough to make, the scarcity 
which already begins to appear in the camp, and the 
difficulties you are likely to encounter in etfecting 



5* 



54 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. 

your engagements, I am apprehensive I should be 
doing injustice to the army I command were I to 
rely for support on your exertions — great as I know 
them to be. Whatever concerns myself I may 
manage with any generosity or idulgence I please; 
but in acting for my country I have no such dis- 
cretion. I have therefore felt myself compelled 
to give the contract in which you are concerned to 
another, who is abundantly able to execute it; on 
condition he indemnifies you for the trouble you 
have been at." 

47. This arrangement being made, the army 
continued its march, and having arrived within a 
few miles of the Ten Islands, was met by old Chin- 
naby, a leading chief of the Creek nation, and 
sternly opposed to the war party. He brought 
with him, and surrendered up, two of the hostile 
Creeks wlio had lately been made prisoners by his 
party. At this place it was represented that they 
were within sixteen miles of the enemy, who were 
collected to the number of a thousand to oppose 
their passage. This information was little relied 
on, and afterward proved untrue. Jackson con- 
tinued his route, and in a few days reached the 
islands of the Coosa, having been detained a day on 
the way for the purpose of obtaining small supplies 
of corn from the neigbouring Indians. Tiiis ac- 
quisition to the scanty stock on hand, while it affor- 
ded subsistence for the present, encouraged his 
hopes for the future, as a means of temporary re- 
sort should his other resources fail. 

48. In a letter to Governor Blount from this 
place, speaking of the j.difficulties with which he 
was assailed, he observes: — "Indeed, sir, we have 
been very wretchedly supplied — scarcely two ra- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 55 



ions in succession have been regularly drawn; yet 
we are not despondent. While we can procure an 
ear of corn apiece, or any thing that will answer 
as a substitute for it, we shall continue our exer- 
tions to accomplish the objects for which we were 
sent. The clieerfulncss with which my men sub- 
mit to privations, and are ready to encounter dan- 
ger, does honour to them and to the government 
whose rights they arc dcfendinir. 

49. "Every means within my power for procuring 
the requisite supplies for my army I have taken, and 
am continuing to take. East, west, north, and south 
have been applied to with the most pressing soli- 
citation. The governor of Georgia, in a letter 
received from him this evening, informs mo that a 
sufficiency can be had in his state; but docs not 
signify tliat he is about to take any measures to 
procure it. My former contractor has been super- 
seded: no exertions were spared by him to fulfil 
his engagements; yet the inconveniences under 
whicli he laboured were such as to render his best 
exertions unavailing. The contract has been offered 
to one who will be able to execute it: if he accepts 
it, my apprehensions will be greatly diminished." 

50. On the 28th of October, 1813, Colonel Dyer, 
who, on the march to the Ten Island, had been 
detached from the main body, with two hundred 
cavalry, to attack Littafutchec-town, on the head 
of Canoe creek, which empties into the Coosa 
from the west, returned, bringing with him twenty- 
nine prisoners, men, women, and children, having 
destroyed the village. 

51. The sanguine expectations indulged on leaving 
Thompson's creek, that the advance of the East 
Tennessee militia would hasten to uuite with him, 



56 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

was not yet realized. The express heretofore di- 
rected to General White had not returned. Jack- 
son, on the 31st of October, 1813, despatched an- 
other, a^i^ain urging him to effect aspeedly junction, 
and to brinsr with him all the bread-stulf it should 
' be in his power to procure: feelingly suggesting to 
him, at the same time, the great inconvenience and 
hazard to which he had been already exposed for 
the want of punctuality in himself and his command- 
ing general. Owing to that cause, and the late 
failures of his contractors, he represented his army 
as placed, at present, in a very precarious situation 
and dependent, in a great measure, for support, 
on the exertions which they might be pleased to 
make; but assured him, at the same time, that, let 
circumstances trans])ire as tlicy might, he would 
still, at every risk, endeavour to effect his purpose; 
and, at all events, was resolved to hasten, with every 
practicable despatch, to the accompHshment of the 
object for which he had set out. Believing the co- 
operation of the East Tennessee troops essential to 
this end, tliey were again instructed lo join him 
without delay; for he could not conceive it to be cor- 
rect policy, that troops from thesame state, pursuing 
the same objects, should constitute separate and 
distinct armies, and act without concert, and inde- 
pendently of each other. He entertained no doubt 
but that his order would be promptly obeyed. 

52. The next evening, a detachment which had 
been sent out the day before returned to the camp, 
bringing with .them, besides some corn and beeves, 
several negroes and prisoners of the war party. 

53. Learning now that . a considerable body of 
the enemy had posted themselves at Tallushatchee, 
on the south side of the Coosa, about thirteen 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. 57 

miles distant, General Coffee was detached with 
nine hundred men (the mounted troops having been 
previously organized into a brigade, and placed 
under his command) to attack and disperse them, 
Witii tliis force he was enable, throuirli the direc- 
tion of an Indian pilot, to ford the Coosa at the 
Fish-dams, about four miles above the islands and 
having encanipod beyond it, very early the next 
morning proceeded to the execution of his order. 
Having arrived within a mile and a half, he form- 
ed his detachment into two divisions, and direct- 
ed them to march so as to encircle the town, by 
uniting their fronts beyond it. The enemy, liear- 
ing of his approach, began to prepare for action, 
which was announced by the beating of drums, 
mingled with their savage yells and war-whoops. 
An hour after sunrise, the action was commenced 
by Captain Hammond's and Lieutenant Patter- 
son's companies of s})ies, who had gone witiiin 
the circle of alignemenl for the purpose of dravv- 
in«^ the Indians from tiieir buildinfis. No sooner 
liad these companies exhibited their front in view 
of the town, and given a few scattering shot, than 
the enemy formed, and made a violent charge. 
Being compelled to give way, the advance-guard 
were pursued until they reached the main body of 
the army, whicli immediately opened a general 
lire, and charged in their turn. Tiie Indians re- 
treated, firing until they got around and in their 
l)uildings, where an obstinate conflict ensued, and 
where those who maintained their ground persist- 
ed in fighting as long as they could stand or sit, 
without manifesting fear or soliciting quarter. 
Their less was a hundred and eighty-six killed; 
among whom were, unfortuniuely, and through 



58 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

accident, a few women and children. Eighty-four 
women and children were taken prisoners, to- 
wards whom the utmost iiumanity was shown, 
or the Americans, five were killed and forty-one 
wounded. Two were killed with arrows, whicli 
on this occasion formed a princij)nl part of (he 
arms of the Indians: each one havinir a bow and 
quiver, which he used after the first fire of his gun, 
until an opportunity occurred for reloading. 

54. Having buried his dead, and provided for 
his wounded. General Coffee, late in the evening 
of the same day, united with the main army, bring- 
ing with him about forty prisoners. Of the resi- 
due, a part were too badly wounded to be remov- 
ed, and were therefore left with a suflicient num- 
ber to lake care of them. Those which he brouijht 
in received every comfort and assistance their sit- 
uation demanded, and, for safety, were immedi- 
ately sent into the settlements. 

55. From the manner in which the enemy 
fought, the killing and wounding others than their 
warriors was not to be avoided. On their retreat 
to their villaore, after the commencement of the 
battle, they resorted to their block-houses and 
strong log-dwellings, whence they kept up resist- 
ance, and resolutely maintained the figt. Thus 
mingled with their women and children, it was 
impossible they should noi be exposed to the ge- 
neral danger; and thus many were injured, not- 
withstanding every possible precaution was taken 
to prevent it. In fact, many of the women united 
with their warriors, and contended in the battle 
with fearless bravery. 

56. Measures were now taken to establish a per- 
manent depot on the north bank of the river, at 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 59 

the Ten Islands, to be protected by strong picket- 
ing and block-houses; after which, it was the in- 
tention of Jackson to proceed along the Coosa to 
its junction with the Tallapoosa, near which it 
was expected the main force of the enemy was 
collected. Well knowing that it would detach 
much of the strength of his army to occupy, in his 
advance, the dillerent points necessary to the safe- 
ty of his rear, it was desirable to unite, as soon as 
possible, with the troops from the east of Tennes- 
see; to effect this, he again, on the 4th, despatch- 
ed an express to General White, who had previ- 
ously, with his command, arrived at Turkey-town, 
a Cherokee village about twenty-five miles above, 
on the same river, urninfr him to unite with liim as 
soon as possible, and again entreating him on the 
subject of provisions; to bring with him such as 
lie had on hand, or could procure; and, if possi- 
ble, to form some certain airangement that might 
ensure a supply in future. 

57. Anxious to proceed, and to have his army 
actively and serviceably employed, which he be- 
lieved would be practicable as soon as a junction 
could be effected, he again, on the morning of the 
7th of November, 1813, renewed his application 
to General White, who still remained at Turkey- 
town. 

58. As yet no certain intelligence was received 
of any collection of the enemy. The army was 
busily engaged in fortifying and strengthening the 
site fixed on for a depot, to which the name of 
Fort Strother had been given. Late, however, on 
the evening of the 7th November, a runner arrived 
from Talladega, a fort of tlie friendly Indians, dis- 
tant about thirty miles below, with information 



60 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

that the enemy had that morning encamped be- 
fore it in great numbers, and would certainly de- 
stroy it unless immediate assistance could be af- 
forded. Jackson, confiding in tlie statement, de- 
termined to lose no time in extendintr the relief 
which was solicited. Understandinof that General 
While, agreeably to his order, was on liis way to 
join him, he despatched a messenger to meet him, 
directing him to reach his encampment in the 
course of the ensuing night, and to protect it in 
his absence. He now gave orders for taking up 
the line of march, with twelve hundred infantry 
and eight hundred cavalry and mounted gun men, 
leaving behind the sick, the wounded, and all liis 
baggage, with a force which was deemed sufficient 
for their protection, untd the reinforcement from 
Turkey-town should arrive. 

59^ The friendly Indians, who had taken re- 
fuge in this besieged fort, had involved themselves 
in their present perilous situation from a disposi- 
tion to preserve their amicable relations with the 
United States. To suffer them to fall a sacrifice 
from any tardiness of movement would have been 
unpardonable; and unless relief were immediately 
extended, it rni^ht arrive too late. Actincr under 
these impressions, the general concluded to move 
instantly forward to their assistance. By twelve 
o'clock at night, every thing was in readiness; 
and in an hour afterward the army commenced 
crossing the river, about a mile above the camp, 
each of the mounted men carrying one of the in- 
fantry behind him. The river at this place was 
six hundred yards wide, and it being necessary to 
send back the horses for the remainder of the in- 
fantry, several hours were consumed before a pas- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 6l 

sage of all the troops could be effected. Never- 
theless, though crreally fatigued and deprived of 
sleep, they continued the march with animation, 
and by evening had arrived within six miles ot the 
enemy. In this niarch Jackson used the utmost 
precaution to prevent surprise: marching his army, 
as was his constant custom, in three columns, so 
that, by a speedy manrcuvre, they might be thrown 
into such a situation as to be capable of resisting an 
attack from any quarter. Having judiciously en- 
t:amped his men on an eligible piece of ground, he 
sent forward two of the friendly Indians and a 
"white man, who had for many years been detained 
a captive in the nation, and was now acting as in- 
lerpreter, to reconnoitre the position of the ene- 
my. About eleven o'clock at night they returned, 
with information that the savages were posted 
within a ([uarler of a mile of the fort, and appear- 
Cil to be in great force; but that they had not been 
able to approach near enough to ascertain either 
their numbers or precise situation. Within an hour 
after this, a runner arrived from Turkey-town, with 
a letter from Gener.d White, stating that after 
having taken up the line of march, to unite at Fort 
Strother, he had received orders from General 
Cocke to change his course and proceed to the 
mouth of Chatauga creek. It was most distress- 
ing intelligence: the sick and wounded had been 
left with no other calculation for their safety and 
defence than that this detachment of the army, 
agreeably to his request, would, by advancing 
upon Fort Strother, serve the double purpose of 
protecting his rear and enable him to advance 
still farther into the enemy's country. The infor- 
6 



62 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

matioii which was now received proved that all 
those salutary anticipations were at an end, and 
that evils of the worst kind miirht be the conse- 
quence. Intelligence so disagreeable, and wiih- 
al so unexpected, filled the mind of Jackson with 
apprehension of a serious and alarming character; 
and dreading lest the enemy, by taking a diflerent 
route, should attack his encampment in his ab- 
sence, he determined to lose no time in brinorincr 

h, O C3 

im to battle. Orders were accordingly given to 

the adjutant-general to prepare the line, and by 
four o'clock in the morning the army was again 
in motion. The infantry proceeded in three co- 
lumns; the cavalry in the same order, in the rear, 
with flankers on each wing. The advance, con- 
sisting of a company of artillerists with muskets, 
two companies of riflemen, and one of spies, 
marched about four hundred yards in front under 
the command of Colonel Carroll, inspector- gene- 
ral, with orders, after commencing the action, to 
fall back on the centre, so as to draw the enemy 
after them. At seven o'clock, having arrived 
within a mile of the position they occupied, the 
columns were displayed in order of battle. Two 
hundred and fifty of the cavalry, under Lieuten- 
ant-colonel Dyer, were placed in the rear of the 
centre, as a corps-de-reserve. The remainder of 
the mounted troops were directed to advance on 
the right and left, and, after encircling the enemy, 
by uniting the fronts of their columns, and keep- 
ing their rear rested on the infantry, to face and 
press towards the centre, so as to leave them no 
possibility of escape. The remaining part of the 
army was ordered to move up by heads of com- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. 



63 



panies; General Hall's briirade occupying the 
ri;;ht, and General Roberts' the left. 

60. About eight o'clock, the advance, having 
arrived within eighty yards of the enemy, who 
were concealed in a thick shrubbery that covered 
the margin of a small rivulet, received a heavy fire, 
vvliich they instantly returned with much spirit. 
Falling in wiili the enemy, agreeably to their in- 
structions, they rr tired towards the centre, but not 
before they had dislodged them from their posi- 
tion. The Indians, now screaming and yelling 
hideously, rushed forward in the direction of Ge- 
neral Roberts' brij^ade, a lew cor.ipanies of which, 
alarmed by their numbers and yells, gavG way at 
the first fire. Jackson, to fill the chasm which 
wBa thus created, directed the regiment command- 
ed by Colonel Bradley to be moved up, which, 
from some unaccountable cause, had failed to ad- 
vance in a line with the others, and now occupied 
a position in rear of the centre: Bradley, however, 
to whom this order was given by one of the staff, 
omit'ed to execute it in time, alleging he was de- 
termined to remain on the eminence which he 
then possessed until he should be approached and 
attacked by the enemy. Owing to this failure in 
the volunteer regimetit, it became necessary to 
dismount the reserve, which, u iih great firmness, 
met the approach of the enemy, who were rapidly 
moving in this direction. The retroatin;; ttiililia, 
somewhat mortified at seeing their places so 
promptly sujiplied, rallied, and, recovering their 
former position in the line, aided in checking the 
advance of the savages. The action now became 
general along the line, and in fifteen minutes the 
Indians were seen flying in every direction. On 



64 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the left they were met and repulsed by the mount- 
ed riflemen; but on the right, owing to the halt of 
I^radiey's regiment, which was intended to occu- 
py the extreme right and to the circumstance of 
Colonel Allcorn, who comnianded one of the 
wings of the cavalry, having taken too large a cir- 
cuit, a considerable space was left between the in- 
fantry and the cavalry, through which numbers es- 
caped. The fight was maintainc-l with great spirit 
and elfect on both sides, as well before as after the 
retreat commenced ; nor did the pursuit and 
slaughter terminate until the mountains were reach- 
ed, at the distance of three miles. 

61. Jackson, in his report of this action, be- 
stows high commendation on the officers and sol- 
diers. "Too much praise," he observes in the 
close of it, "cannot be bestowed on the advance, 
led by Colonel Carroll, for the spirited manner in 
which they commenced and sustained the attack ; 
Dor upon the reserve, commanded by lieutenant- 
colonel Dyer, for the gallantry with which they 
met and repulsed the enemy In a word, officers 
of every grade, as well as privates, realized the 
high expectations I had formed of them, and merit 
the gratitude of their country,'' 

6-2. In this battle, the force of the enemy was 
one thousand and eighty, of whom two hundred 
and ninety-nine were left dead on the ground ; and 
it is believed that many were killed in the flight, 
who were not found when the estimate was made. 
Probably (c\v escaped unhurt. Their loss on this 
occasion, as stated since by themselves, was not 
less than six hundred : that of the Americans was 
fifteen killed, and eighty wounded, several of 
whom afterward died. Jackson, after collecting 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 65 

his dead and wounded, advanced his army beyond' 
ilie fort, and encamped for ihe night. The In- 
dians wlio had been for several days r<hut up by the 
besiegers, thus fortunately liberated from the most 
drea<iful apprehensions and severest privations, 
having for some time been entirely without water, 
received the arniy with all the demonstrations of 
gratitude that savai^es could give. Their manifes- 
tations of joy for their deliverance presented and an 
interesting and alfeciing spectacle. Tiieir fears had 
been already greatly excited, for it was the very 
day when they were to have been assaulted, and 
when every soul within the fort must have perisli- 
ed. All the provisions they could spare from their 
scanty stock they sold to the general, who, pur- 
chasing with his own money, di^^tributed them 
among the soldiers, who were almost destitute. 

G3. It was with great refjret that Jackson now 
found he was without the means of availing him- 
self fully of the advantages of his victory ; but tlie 
condition of his posts in the rear, and the want of 
provisions (having left his encampment at Fort 
Strother with little more than one day's rations), 
comj)elled him to return ; thus giving the enemy 
time to recover from the consternation of their first 
defeat, and to re-assemble their forces. 

(il. The cause which prevented Generel White 
from actiniT in obedience to his order, and arrivinfj 
at the Ten Islands at a moment when it was so 
important, and when it was so confidently expect- 
ed, was as vet unknown ; the only certainty upon 
the subject was, that for the present it wholly 
thwarted his views, and laid him under the neces- 
sity of returning. This mystery, hitherto inexpli- 
cable, was some time alter explained, by a view of 
6* 



66 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

ihe order of General Cocke, under which White, 
beinor a brio-adier in his division, chose lo act, rath- 
er than under Jackson's. General Cocke stated 
to him, he had understood Jackson had crossed 
the Coosa, and had an engaoement with the In- 
dians. "I have formed a council of officers here, 
and proposed these questions: Shall we follow 
him? or cross the river, and proceed to the Creek 
settlements on the Tallapoosa? — Both were decid- 
ed unanimously that he should not be followed, 
but that we should proceed in the way proposed." 
He remarked, that tiie decision had met his entire 
approbation ; and directed White forthwith to 
unite with him at his encampment, where he should 
wait, fortifying it strongly for a depot until he 
should arrive, ''if," said he, "we follow General 
Jackson and his army, we must suffer for supplies ; 
nor can we expect to gain a victory. Let us then 
take a direction in which we can share some of 
the dangers and glories of the field. You will 
employ pilots, and ndvise me which side of the 
river you will move up." In this, as in every oth- 
er measure, it seemed to be the studied aim of 
Cocke to thwart the views and arrest the succes- 
ses of Jackson ; and perhaps jealousy, in no in- 
considerable decree, was the moving spring to his 
conduct. Both were major-generals, from the 
state of Tenessee, sent on the same important er- 
rand, to check an insolent foe, who had practised 
the most cruel and unprovoked outrages. Which 
of them should share the "dangers and glories of 
the field," or obtain its laurels, was not so impor- 
tant to the country as by acting in concert and 
harmony, endeavouring to accomplish the grand 
object of terminating the war, and restoring tran- 
quillity to the frontiers. National, and not indivi- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 67 

dual, advancement was the object in carrying an 
army into liie field ; and the best and most ef' 
fectual means of securing this, every officer, act- 
ing on liberal principles, should have constantly 
held in view : the interest and repose of the coun- 
try, not their individual advancement, was the end 
to be attained. 

Go. Having buried his dead with all due hon- 
our, and provided litters for the wounded, he re- 
luctantly commenced his return inarch on the 
morning succeeding the battle. He confidently 
hoped, from the previous assurances of the con- 
tractors, that by the time of his return to Fort 
Strother sufiicieiit supplies would have arrived 
there; but, to his inex|)ressible uneasiness, he found 
that not a particle had been forwarded there since 
his departure, and that what had been left was aU 
read / consumed. Even his private stores, brought 
on at liis own expense, and upon which he and 
his staff' had hitherto wholly subsisted, had been in 
his absence distributed among the sick by the 
hospital surgeon, who hud been previously in- 
structed to do so if their wants should require it. 
A few dozen biscuits, wliich remained on his re- 
turn, were given to hungry ap[)licants, without be- 
ing tasted by himself or lamil-y ; who were proba- 
bly not less hungry than those who were thus re- 
lieved. A scanty su|)ply of indifferent beef taken 
from the enemy or i)urchased of the Cherokees, 
uas now the only support afforded. Thus left des- 
titute, Jackson, with the utmost cheerfulness of 
temper, lepaired to the bullock-pen, and of the 
ofTal there thrown away, provided for himself and 
staff' what he was pleased to call, and seemed re- 
ally to think, a very comfortable repast. Tripes, 



68 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

however, hastily provided in a camp, without bread 
or seasoninj>, can only be palatable to an appetite 
very high whetted ; yet this constituted for several 
days the only diet at head-quarters, during which 
time the general »eemed entirely satisfied with his 
fare. Neither this nor the liberal donations by 
which he disftirnished himself to relieve the suf- 
fering soldier, deserves to be ascribed to ostenta- 
tion or design : the one flowed from benevolence, 
the other from necessity, and a desire to place be- 
fore his men an example of patience and suffer- 
ing, which he felt might be'necessary, and hoped 
might be serviceable. Of these two imputations 
no human beinii, invested with rank and power, 
was ever more deservedly free. Charity in him 
is a warm and active propensity of the heart, urg- 
ing him, bv an instantaneous impulse, to relieve 
the wants of the distressed, without regarding, or 
even thinking of, the consequences. Many of 
those to whom it was extended had no conception 
of the source that supplied them, and believed the 
comforts they received were, indeed, drawn from 
stores provided for the hospital^department. 

6(). On thiscampaign,asoldier one morning, with 
a wo-begone countenance, aj)proached the general, 
stating that he was nearly starved, that he had noth- 
ing to eat, and could not imagine what he should do. 
He was the more encouraged to complain, from per- 
ceiving that the general, who had seated himself at 
the root of a tree, waiting tlie coming up of the rear 
of the army, was busily engaged in eating some- 
thing. The poor fellow was impressed with the be- 
lief, from what he saw, that want only attached to 
the soldiers; and that the officers, particularly the 
general, were liberally and well supplied. He ac- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 69 

cordingly approached liim with great confidence of 
being relieved; Jackson told him tliat it had always 
been a rule with him never to turn away a hungry 
man wlicn it was in his power to relieve him. "I 
will most cheerfully," said he, "divide with you what I 
have;" and putting liis hand to his pocket, drew forth 
a few acorns, from which he had been feasting, add- 
ing, it was the best and only fare ho had. The 
soldier seemed much surprised, and fortliwith cir- 
culated among his comrades that their general was 
actually subsisting upon ^acorns, and tiiat they ought 
hence no more to complain. From this circum- 
stance was derived tlie story heretofore published 
to the world, that Jackson, about the period of his 
greatest sulfering, and with a view to inspirit them, 
had invited his oflicers to dine with him, and pre- 
sented for their repast water and a tray of acorns. 

07. But while General Jackson remained wholly 
unmoved by his own privations, he was filled with 
solicitude and concern for his army. His utmost 
exertions, unceasingly a])[>licd, were insufficient to 
remove the su(r('rin2:s to which he saw them ex- 
posed; and although tliey were by no means so great 
as were represented, yet were they undoubtedly such 
as to be sensibly and severely felt. Discontents, 
and a desire to return homo, arose, and presently 
spread through tlie camp; and these were still 
further imbittered and augmented bv the arts of a 
few designing officers, who, believing that the cam- 
paign would now break up, hoped to make them- 
selves popular on the return, by encouraging and 
taking part in the complaints of the soldiery. It is 
a singular fact, that tliose officers who pretended on 
this occasion to feel most sensibly for the wants of 
the army, and who contrived most effectually to in- 



70 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

stigate it to revolt, had never themselves been without 
provisions: and were, at very moment, enjoying in 
abundance what would have relieved the distresses 
of many, had it been as generously and freely distrib- 
uted as were their words of advice and condolence. 

G8. During this period of scarcity and discontent, 
small quantities of supplies were occasionally for- 
warded by the contractors, but not a sufficiency for 
present want, and still less to remove the apprehen- 
sions that were entertained for the future. At 
length, revolt began to show itself openly. The of- 
ficers and soldiers of the militia, collecting in their 
tents and talkins: over their frrievances, determined 
to yield up their patriotism and to abandon the 
camp. To tliis measure there were good evidences 
for believing that several of the officers of the old 
volunteer corps exerted themselves clandestinely, 
and with great industry, to instigate them; looking 
upon themselves somewhat in the light of veterans, 
from the discipline they had acquired in the expedition 
. to the lower country, they were unwilling to be seen 
foremost in setting an example of mutiny, and wisiied to 
make the defection of others a pretext for their own. 

69. Jackson, apprized of their determination to 
abandon him, resolved to oppose it, and at all hazard 
to prevent a departure. In the morning, when they 
were to carry their intentions into execution, he 
drew up the volunteers in front of them with posi- 
tive commands to prevent their progress, and com- 
pel them to return to theirs former position in the 
camp. The militia, seeing this, and fearing the con- 
sequences of persisting in their purpose, at once 
abandoned it, and returned to their quarters without 
further murmuring, extolling, in the highest terms, 
the unalterable firmness of the general. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON 71 

70. The next day, however, presented a singu- 
hir scene. The volunteers, who the day before had 
been the instruments lor compellini:^ tlic miHtia to re- 
turn to their duty, seeing the destruction of those 
hopes on wiiich they had lately built, in turn began 
themselves to mutin3^ Tiieir opposition to the de- 
parture of the militia was but a mere pretence to es- 
cape suspicion, for they silently wished them suc- 
cess. Tliey now determined to move olf in a body, 
believing, from the known disaffection in the camp, 
that the general could find no means to prevent it. 
What was their surprise, however, when, on at- 
tempting to elTectuatc their resolves, they found the 
same men whom they had so lately opposed occupy- 
ing the very position which they had done the day 
previous for a similar purpose, and manifesting a 
fixed determination to obey the orders of their gen- 
eral! All they ventured to do was to take the ex- 
ample through; and, like them, move back in peace 
and quietness to their quarters. This was a curious 
change of circumstances, when we consider in how 
short a time it happened; but the conduct of the 
militia, on this occasion, must be ascribed to the in- 
genuity and management of the general, and to the 
gratification they felt in being able to defeat the 
views of those who had so lately thwarted their own. 
To this may be also added the consciousness all 
must have entertained, that the privations of which 
they complained were far less grievious than they 
had represented them; by no means sufficient to just- 
ify revolt, and not greater than patriots might be 
expected to bear without a murmur, when objects 
of such high consideration were before them. But, 
anxious to return to their families and kindred, 
wearied of their difficulties and sufferings, and de- 



72 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON, 

sirous to recount the brilliant exploits of their first 
battle, they seized with eagerness every pretext for 
exoneration, and listened with too much docility to 
the representations those who were influenced by 
less honourable feelings. Having many domestic 
considerations to attend to, — the first ebullition of 
resentment being cooled, and the first impulse of 
curiosity gratified, there \VGre no motives to retain 
them in the field but a ren^^aining sense of honour, 
and a fear of disgrace and punishment should they/ 
abandon their post without a cause. But although 
these motives were sufficient for the present, those 
who were governed by them did not cease to wisli 
that a more plausible apology might offer for dis- 
pensing with their operation. The militia continued 
to show a much more obedient and patriotic dispo- 
sition than the volunteers; who, having adopted a 
course which they discovered must finally involve 
them in dishonour, if it should fail, were exceeding-r 
Jy anxious for its success, and that it might have the 
appearance of being founded on justice. On this 
subject the pretensions of the cavalry were certain- 
ly much better established; as they were entirely 
without forage, and without the prospect of speedily 
obtaining any. They petitioned, therefore, to be 
permitted to return into the settled parts of the coun- 
try, pledging themselves, by their platoon and field- 
officers, that if sufficient time were allowed to recruit 
the exhausted state of their horses, and to procure 
their winter clothing, they would return to the per- 
formance of their duty whenever called on. The 
general, unable from many causes to prosecute the 
campaign, and confiding in the assurance given, gran- 
ted the prayer of their petition, and they immediate- 
.'y set out on their return. 



LIFE OF iNDREW JACKSON. 73 

71. About this time, General Jackson's prospect 
of being able to maintain the conquests he had made 
began to be cheered by letters just received trom 
the contractors and principal wagon-mastcrs, stating 
that sufficient supj)iies for the army were then on 
the road, and would shortly arrive; but discontents^ 
to an alarming degree, still prevailed in his camp. 
To allay them, if possible, he hastened to lay before 
the division the information and letters he had re- 
ceived; and, at the same time, invited tlie field and 
platoon officers to his quarters, to consult on the 
measures proper to be pursued. Having assembled 
them, and well knowing that the flame of discontent 
which had so lately shown itself was only for the 
present smothered, and might yet burst forth in se- 
rious injury, he addressed them in an animated 
speech, in which he extolled their patriotism and 
achievements; lamented the privations to which they 
had been exposed, and endeavoured to reanimate 
them by the prospect of speedy relief, which lie ex- 
pected with coniidence on the following day. He 
spoke of the immense importance of tiie conquests 
they had already made, and of the dreadful conse- 
quences that must result, showld they be now aban- 
doned. ''What," continued he, "is the present situ- 
ation of our camp? A number of our fellow-soldiers 
are wounded, and unable to help themselves. Shall 
it be said that we are so lost to humanity as to leave 
them in this condition? Can any one, under these 
circumstances and under these prospects, consent to 
an abandonment of the camp? — of all that we have 
acquired in the midst of so many difficulties, priva- 
tions, and dangers? of what it will cost us so much 
to regain? of what we never can regain, — our brave 
7 



74 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

wounded companions, who will be murdered by our 
unthinking, unteeling inhumanity? Surely there can 
be none such! No: we will take with us, when we 
go, our wounded and sick. They must not — shall 
not perish by our cold-blooded indifference. But 
why should you despond? I do not, and yet your 
wants are not greater than mine. To be sure we 
do not live sumptuously: but no one has died of hun- 
ger, or is likely to die; and then how animating are 
our prospects! Large supplies are at Deposit, and 
already are officers despatched to hasten them on. 
Wagons are on the way; a large number of beeves 
are in the neighbourhoDd; and detachments are out 
to bring them in. All these resources surely cannot 
fail. I have no wish to starve you — none to deceive 
you. Stay contentedly; and if supplies do not ar- 
rive within two days, we will all march back to- 
gether, and throw the blame of our failure where it 
should properly lie; until then we certainly have the 
means of subsisting; and it we are compelled to bear 
privations, let us remember that they are borne for 
our country, and are not greater than many — per- 
haps most armies have been compelled to endure. 
I have called you together to tell you my feelings 
and my wishes; this evening think on them serious- 
ly, and let me know yours in the morning." 

72. Having retired to their tents, and deliberated 
on the measures most proper to be adopted in this 
emergency, the officers of the volunteer brigade 
came to the conclusion that "nothing short of march- 
ing the army immediately back to the settlements 
could prevent those difficulties and that disgrace 
which must attend a forcible desertion of the camp 
by his soldiers." The officers of the militia deter- 
mined differently, and reported a willingness to 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON*. 75 

maintain the post a few days longer, that it might be 
ascertained whether or not a sufficiency of provi- 
sions could really be had. "If it can, let us proceed 
with the campaign; if not, let us be marched back 
to where it can be procured." The general, who 
greatly preferred the latter opinion, nevertheless, to 
allay ^•xcitement, was disposed to gratify those who 
appeared unwilhng to submit to further hardships; 
and with this view ordered General Hall to march 
his brigade to Fort Deposit, and, after satisfying 
their wants, to return, and act as an escort to the 
provisions. The second regiment, however, unwill- 
ing to be outdone by the militia, consented to re- 
main; and the first proceeded alone. On this occa- 
sion he could not forbear to remark, that men for 
whom he had ever cherished so warm an affection, 
and for whom he would at all times have made any 
sacrifice, desiring to abandon him at a moment when 
their presence was so particularly necessary, filled 
him with emotions wiiich the strongest language 
was too feeble to express. "I was prej)ared," he 
continued, "to endure every evil but disgrace; and 
this, as I never can submit to myself, I can give no 
encouragement to in others." 

73. Two days had elapsed since the departure of 
the volunteers, and supplies had not arrived. The 
militia, with great earnestness, now demanded a 
performance of the pledge that had been given — 
that they should be marched back to the settlements. 
Jackson, on giving them an assurance that they 
should return if relief did not reach them in two 
days, had indulged a confidence that it would cer- 
tainly arrive by that time; and now, from the infor- 
mation he had received, felt more than ever certain 
that it could not be far distant. Having, however, 



76 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

pledged himself, he could use no arguments or en- 
treaties to detain them any longer, and immediately 
took measures for complying with their wishes and 
the promise Jie had made tliem. This was to him a 
moment of tlie deepest dejection. He foresaw how 
ditHcult it would be ever to accomplish the object 
upon which hiu heart was so devoutly fixed, should 
he lose the m^n who were now with him; or even 
to regain tlie conquests he had made, if his present 
posts shou'.d full into the hands of the enemy. 
While thus pondering on the gloomy prospect, ho 
lifted up his hands and exclaimed, with a look and 
manner which showed how much he felt, "If only 
two men will remain with me, I will never abandon 
this post." Captain Garden, of the spies, faceti- 
ously replied, "You have one, general, let us look 
if we can't find another;" and immediately, with a 
zeal suited to the occasion, undertook, with some 
of the general staff, to raise volunteers; and in a 
little while succeeded in procuring one hundred and 
nine, who declared a determination to remain and 
protect the post. The general, greatly rejoiced 
that he would not be compelled to an entire aban- 
donment of his position, now set out towards De- 
posit with the remamder of the army, who were 
given distinctly to understand, that on meeting sup- 
plies, they were to return and prosecute the cam- 
paign. This was an event which, as it had been 
expected and foretold, soon took place. They had 
not proceeded more than ten or twelve miles, when 
they met a hundred and fifty beeves; but a sight 
which gave to Jackson so much satisfaction was to 
them the most disagreeable and unwelcome. Their 
faces being now turned tow^ards home, no spectacle 
could be more hateful than one which was to 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 77 

change their destination. They were Kited; and, 
having satisfied their hungry appetites, he troops, 
with the exception of such as were neiessary to 
proceed with the sick and wounded, wert ordered 
to return to the encampment — he himself fUending 
to see the contractors, and establish more effectual 
arrangements for the future. So great \as their 
aversion to returning that they preferred a 'iolation 
of their duty and their pledged honour. Lw mur- 
murings ran along the lines, and presentl broke 
out into open mutiny. In spite of the ordr they 
had received, they began to revolt, and onc'ompa- 
ny was already moving oiT in a direction nvards 
home. They had proceeded some distancebefore 
information of their departure was had by Jitkson. 
Irritated at their conduct, in attempting to iolate 
the promise they had given, and knowing tht the 
success of future operations depended on the esult, 
the general pursued, until he came near a prt of 
his staff and a few soldiers, who, with Gneral 
Coffee, had halted about a quarter of a mile nead. 
He ordered them to form immediately acros the 
road, and to fire on the muntineersif they attenpted 
to proceed. Snatching up their arms, these faiiful 
adherents presented a front which threw the deiert- 
ers into afiVight, and caused them to retreat precipi- 
tately to the main body. Here it was hoped the 
matter would end, and that no further opposition 
would be made to returning. This expectatior. was 
not realized; a mutinous temper began presertly tc 
display itself throughout the whole brigade. Jack- 
son, having left his aid-de-camp, Major Reii. en 
gaged in making up some despatches, had gone ou, 
alone among his troops, who were at some distance 

7* ; 



78 /LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

on his arrifal he found a much more extensive mu- 
tiny than ^hat which had just been quelled. Al- 
most the A'hole brigade had put itself into an altitude 
for mov/ig iorcibly otF. A crisis had arrived; and, 
feeling its importance, he determined to take no 
middle f|"ound, but to triumph or perish. He was 
still witlput the use of his left arm, but seizing a 
musket,(ind resting it on the neck of his horse, he 
threw limself in front of the column, and threat- 
ened tojhoot tile first man who should attempt to 
advancl In this situation he was found by Major 
Reid q|d General Coffee; who, fearing, from the 
length )f his absence, that some disturbance had 
ariscn/>astened where he was, and, placing them- 
selves)y his side, awaited the result in anxious ex- 
pectat^n. For many minutes the column pre- 
served a sullen, yet hesitating attitude, fearing to 
proced in their purpose, and disliking to abandon 
it. \ the mean time, those wlio remained faithful 
to thjir duty, amounting to about two companies, 
werepoUected and formed at a short distance in ad- 
vanc<of the troops and in rear of the general, with 
positive directions to iinitate his example in firing 
if lliey attempted to proceed. At length, finding no 
om bold enough to advance, and overtaken by those 
fea:s which in the hour of peril always beset per- 
son: eigaged in what they know to be a bad cause, 
they abandoned their purpose, and turning quietly 
rourd, agreed to return to their posts. It is very 
certain, that but for the firmness of the general at 
this a-itical moment, the campaign would have been 
broken up, and most probably not commenced again. 
74. Shortly after the battle of Talladega, the 
Hillabee tribes, who had been the principal sufferers 
m that occasion, applied to General Jackson for 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 79 

peace; declaring tlieir willingness to receive it on 
such terms as lie might be pleased to dictate. His de- 
cision had been already returned, stating to them 
that his government had taken up arms to bring to 
a proper sense of duty a j)eople to whom she iiad 
ever shown the utmost kindneas, but who never- 
theless, had committed against her citizens the most 
Uiiprovoked depredations; and that she would lay 
them down only when certain that this object was 
attained. *'U])on those," continued he, "who are 
friendly, I neither wish nor intend to make war; but 
they must allbrd evidences of the sincerity of tlieir 
professions; the ))risoners and property they liave 
taken from us; and the friendly Creeks, must be re- 
stored; the instigators of the war, and the murder- 
ers of our citizens, must be surrendered, the latter 
must and will be made to feel the force of our re- 
sentment. Long shall they remember FortMhnms, 
in bitterness and tears." 

75. liaving stated to General Cockc, whose di- 
vision was acting in this section of the nation, the 
jiropositioiis that had been made by the Hillabee 
clans, with the answer he returned, and urged him 
to detach to Fort Strother six hundred of his men, 
to aid in the defence of that place during his ab- 
sence, and in the operations he intended to resume 
on his return, he proceeded to Deposit and Ditto's 
Landing, where the most eifcctual means in his 
power were taken with the contractors for obtaining 
regular supplies in future. They were required to 
furnish immediately thirty days' rations at Fort 
Strother, forty at Talladega, and as many at the 
junction of the Coosa and Tallapoosa; two hun- 
dred packhorses and forty wagons were put in re- 
quisition to facilitate their transportation. Under- 



80 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Standing now that tlie whole detachment from 
Tennessee had by the president been received into 
the service ol'the United States, he persuaded him- 
self that the difficulties he had heretofore encoun- 
tered would not recur, and that the want of sup- 
plies would not again be a cause of impeding his 
operations. He now looked forward, with sangu- 
ine cxpectatious, to the speedy accomplishment of 
the objects of the expedition. 

76. The volunteers who were at Deposit began 
to manifest the same unwillincrness to return to 
their duty that the militia had done, and were about 
to break out into the same spirit of munity and re- 
volt; but were restrained by an animated address 
of the general, who having assembled them to- 
gether, painted in the most glowing colours all the 
consequences that were to be apprehended, if, from 
any defalcation of theirs, the campaign should be 
abandoned.or ineffectually prosecuted. By this 
means he succeeded once more in restoring quiet- 
ness to his troops. 

77. He now set out on his return to Fort Stro- 
ther, and was delighted to find, by the progress of 
the works, the industry that had been used in his 
absence. But the satisfaction he felt, and the 
hopes he began to cherish, were of short continu- 
ance. Although he had succeeded in stilling the 
tumult of the volunteers, and in prevailing on them 
to return to their posts, it was soon discovered he 
had not eradicated their deep-rooted aversion to a 
further prosecution of the war. Nothing is more 
difficult than to reanimate men who have once lost 
their spirits, or inspire with new ardour those in 
whom it has lately become extinct. Even where 
ihe evils which produced the change are removed, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKoorf. 81 

apologies will be sought, and pretexts seized, for 
justifving and preserving the present tone of mind. 
The volunteers, who had so lalcly clamoured about 
bread, now, when they were no longer hungry, 
began to clamour, with equal earnestness, about 
tiieir term of service. Having lately made an ef- 
fort to forsake the drudgery of the field, and failed, 
they were disposed to avail themselves of any pre- 
texts, seemingly plausible, to obtain success. — 
'J'iioy insisted that the period for which they had 
undertaken to act would end on the lOlh of De- 
cember, that being the termination of a year from 
the day they had first entered into service; and 
although they had been a great part of the time 
disengaged, and unemployed, that recess was nev- 
ertheless to be taken into the compulation. Jack- 
son replied that the law of congress under which 
they had been tendered and accepted, requiring 
one year's service out of two, could contemplate 
nothing le>s than an actual service of three hun- 
dred and sixty-five days ; and, until that were per- 
formed, lie could not, unless specially authorized, 
undertake to discharge them. But as this was a 
question not likely to be settled by argument, and 
as the consequences were easily to be foreseen if 
they should persist in their demands, the general 
began to think of providing other means for a con- 
tinuance of the campaign, that even in the worst 
extreme, he mii^ht not be unprepared to act. Or- 
dering General Roberts to return, and fill up the 
deficiencies in his brigade, he now despatched 
Colonel Carroll and Major Searcy, one of his aids- 
de-camp, into Tennessee, to raise volunteers for 
six months, or during the campaign ; writing, at 
the same time, to many respectable characters, he 



82 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

exhorted them to contribute all their assistance to 
the accomplishment of this object. To a letter 
just received from the Reverend Gideon Black- 
burn, assurinjT him that volunteers from Tennessee 
would eagerly hasten to his relief, if they knew 
their services were wanted, he replied, "Rev'dSir, 
— Your letter has been just received: I thank you for 
it ; 1 thank you most sincerely. It arrived at a 
moment when my spirits needed such a support. 

78. "I left Tennessee with an army, brave, I 
believe, as any jreneral ever commanded. I have 
seen them in battle, and my opinion of their bra- 
very is not changed. But their fortitude — on this 
too I relied — has been too severely tested. Per- 
haps I was wrong in believing that nothing but 
death could conquer the spirits of brave men, I 
am sure I was ; lor my m<Mi, I know, are brave ; 
yet privations have rendered them discontented : 
thai is enough. The expedition must neverthe- 
less be prosecuted to a successful termination. — 
New volunteers must be raised, to conclude what 
has been so auspiciously begun by the old ones. 
Gladly would I save these men from themselves, 
and ensure them a harvest which they have sown; 
but if they will abandon it to others, it must be so. 

79. "You are good enough to say, if I need 
your assistance, it will be cheerfully afforded : I 
do need it greatly. The influence you possess 
over the minds of men is great and well-founded, 
and can never be belter applied than in summon- 
ing volunteers to the defence of their country, 
their liberty, and their reli2"ion. While we fiofht 
the savage, who makes war only because he de- 
lights in blood, and who has gotten his booty^when 
he has scalped his victim, we are, through him, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACRSON. 83 

contending against an enemy of more inveterate 
character and deeper design — who would demolish 
a fabric cemented by the blood of our fiihers, and 
endeared to us by all the happiness we enjoy. So 
far as my exertions can contribute, the j)urposes 
both of the sava^^e and iiis instigator shall be de- 
feated ; aud so far as yours can, I hope — I know 
they will be employed. I havu said enough. — I 
want men, and want them immediately." 

60. Anxious to prosecute the campaign as soon 
as possible, that by employing his troops actively 
he miiTht dispel from llieir minds those discontents 
so frequently manire>ted, lie wiote to General 
Cocke, desirinu and urfnnu him to unite with him 
immediately nt Tnc Ten Inlands, fwith fifteen hun- 
dred men. He assured him ihrii the mounted men, 
who had returned to the settlements for subsist- 
ence, and to recruit their liorses, wouM arrive by 
the 12th of the month. He wished to commence 
his operations directly, "knowing they would be 
prepared for it, and well knowing they would re- 
quire it. I am astonished," he continued, ''10 
hear that your supplies continue deficient. In the 
name of God. what are the contractors doini'. and 
about what are they engaged.'' Every leltrr 1 re- 
ceive from Governor Blount assures me I am to 
receive plentiful supplies from them, and seems to 
take for granted, notwilhstandinij; all I have said 
to the contrary, that they have been hitherto regu- 
larly furnished. Considering the generous loan 
the state has made for this purpose, and the facili- 
ty of procuring breadstufl's in East Tennessee, and 
the trantsi)oriing them by water to Fort Deposit, it 
is to me wholly unaccountable that not a pound 
has ever arrived at that place. This evil must con- 



64 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

tinue no longer — it must be remedied. I expect, 
therefore, and througii you must require, that in 
twenty days they furnibii at Deposit every neces- 
sary supply." 

81. While these measures were takin<j, the voliin- 
teers, through several of liieir officers, were press- 
ing on the consideration of the general the expira- 
tion of their service, and claiming to be discharged 
on the lOlh of the month. From the colonel who 
commanded the second regiment he received a 
letter, dated the 4th of December, 1813, in which 
was attempted to be detailed their whole ground of 
complamt. He began by stating, that painful as it 
was, he nevertheless felt himself bound to disclose 
an important and unpleasant truth: that, on the' 
10th, the service would be deprived of the regiment 
he commanded. He seemed to deplore, with great 
sensibility, the scene that would he exhibited on that 
day, should opposition be made to their departure; 
and still more sensibly, the consequences that 
would result from a disorderly abandonment of the 
eamp. He slated tliey had all considered them- 
selves finally discharged on the 20th of April, 1813, 
and never knew to the contrary until they saw his 
order of the 24th of Septembor, 1813 requiring 
them to rendezvour at Fayttteville on the 4th of 
October, 1613; for the first time, they then learned 
that they owed further services, their discharge to 
the contrary notwithstanding. "Thus situated, 
there w^as considererable opposition to the order; on 
which the officers generally, as I am advised, and I 
know myself in particular, gave it as an unequivocal 
opinion that their term of service would terminate 
on the lOthof December, 1813. 

82. "They therefore look to their general, who 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 85 

has their confidence, for an honourable discharge 
on that day; and that, in every respect, he will see 
that justice be done them. They regret that their 
particular situations and circumstances require them 
to leave their fi^eneral at a time when their services 
are important to the common cause. It would be 
desirable," he continued, ''tliat those men who have 
served with honour should be honourably dis- 
charged, and that they should return to their fami- 
lies and friends witiiout even the semblance of dis- 
grace; with their general they leave it to place them 
in that situation. They liave received him as an 
affectionate father, while tliey have honoured, re- 
vered, and obeyed him; but, iiaving devoted a con- 
siderable portion of their time to t!ie service of their 
country, by which their domestic concorns are 
greatly deranged, they wish to return, and attend to 
their own affairs." 

83. Althousrh this communication announced the 
determination of only a part of the volunteer bri- 
gade, he had already abundant evidence tliat the 
defection was but too general. The difficulties 
which the general had heretofore been compelled 
to encounter, from the discontents of his troops, might 
well induce him to regret that a spirit of insubordi- 
nation should again threaten to appear in his camp. 
That he might, if possible, prevent it, he hastened 
to lay before them the error and impropriety of their 
views, and the consequences involved, should they 
persist in their purpose. 

84. "I know not," he observed, "what scenes will 
be exliibited on the lOth instant, nor what con- 
sequences are to flow from them here or else- 
where; but as I shall have the consciousness that 

8 



86 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

they are not imputable to any misconduct of mine, 
I trust I shall have the firmness not to shrink from a 
discharge of my duty. It will be well, however, 
for those who intend to become actors in those 
scenes, and who are about to hazard so much on the 
correctness of their opinions, to examine before- 
hand, with great caution and deliberation, the 
grounds on which their pretensions rest. Are they 
founded on any false assurances of mine, or upon 
any deception that has been practised towards them? 
Was not tlie act of congress under which they are 
engaged directed, by my general order, to be read, 
and expounded to them before they enrolled them- 
selves? That order will testify, and so will the re- 
collection of every general officer of my division. 
It is not pretended, that those who now claim to be 
discharged were not legally and fairly enrolled under 
the act of congress of the Gth of February, 1812. 
Have they performed the service required of them 
by that act, and which they then solemnly under- 
took to perform? That required one year's service 
out of two, to be computed from the day of rendez- 
vous, unless they should be sooner discharged. Has 
one year's service been performed? This cannot be 
seriously pretended. Have they then been discharg- 
ed? It is said they have, and by me. To account 
for so extraordinary a behef, it may be necessary to 
take a review of past circumstances. 

85. "i\rore than twelve months have elapsed since 
we were called upon to avenge the injured rights of 
our country. We obeyed the call! In the midst of 
hardships, which none but those to whom liberty is 
dear could have borne without a murmur, we de- 
scended the Mississippi. It was behoved our servi- 
ces were wanted in the prosecution of the just war 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 87 

in which our country was engaged, and we were 
prepared to render them. But though we were dis- 
appointed in our expectations, we established for 
Tennessee a name which will long do her honour. 
At length, we received a letter tVom the secretary of 
war directing our disinission. You well recollect 
the circumstances of wretchedness in which this or- 
der was calculated to place us. By it wc were de- 
prived of every article of public property; no provi- 
sion was made for the payment of our troops, or 
their subsistence on tlieir return inarch; while many 
of our sick, unable to help themselves, must have 
perished. Against the opinion of many, I marched 
them back to their homes before I dismissed them. 
Your regiment, at its own request, was dismissed at 
Columbia. This was accompanied with a certificate 
to each man, expressing the acts under which ho 
had been enrolled, and the length of the tour he had 
performed. This it is which is now attempted lo be 
construed 'a final discharge;' but surely it cannot be 
forgotten by any oflicer or soldier, how sacredly 
they pledged themselves, before they were dismissed 
or received that certificate, cheerfully to obey the 
voice of their country if it should re-summon them 
into service; neither can it be forgotten, I dare hope, 
for what purpase that certificate was given; it was 
to secure, if possible, to those brave men who had 
shown such readiness to serve their country, certain 
extra emoluments, specified in the seventh section of 
the act under which they had engaged, in the event 
they were not recalled into service for the residue of 
their term. 

86. "Is it true, then, that my solicitude for the in- 
terest of the volunteers is to be made by them a pre- 
text for disgracing a name which they have rendered 



88 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

illustrious? Is a certificate designed solely for their 
benefit, to become the rallying word for mutiny? — 
strange perversion of feeling and of reasoning! 
Have I really any power to discharge men whose 
term of service has not expired? If I were weak 
or wicked enough to attempt the exercise of such a 
power, does any one believe the soldier would be 
thereby exonerated from the obligation he has vol- 
untarily taken upon himself to his government? I 
should become a traitor to the im])ortant concern 
which has been intrusted to my management, while 
the soldier, who had been deceived by a false hope 
of liberation, would be still liable to redeem his 
pledge; I should disgrace myself, without benefiting 
you. 

87. "I can only deplore the situation of those offi- 
cers who have undertaken to persuade their men 
that their term of service will expire on the 10th. 
In giving their opinions to this effect, they have act- 
ed indiscreetly, and without sufficient authority. It 
would be the most pleasing act of my life to restore 
them with honour to their families. Nothing would 
pain me more than that any other sentiments should 
be felt towards them than those of gratitude and es- 
teem. On all occasions, it has been my highest hap- 
piness to promote their interest, and even to gratify 
their wishes, where, with propriety, could it be done. 
When in the lower country, believing that, in order 
for their dismissal, they had been improperly treat- 
ed, I even solicited the government to discharge 
them, finally, from the obligations into which they 
had entered. You know the answer of the secreta- 
ry of war, — that neither he nor the president, as he 
believed, had the power to discharge them. How, 
then, can it be required of me to do so? 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 69 

88. "The moment it is signified to me by any- 
competent authority, even by the governor ot' Ten- 
nessee, to whom I have written on the subject, or 
by General Pincknoy, wlio is now appointed to the 
command, that the volunteers muy be exonerated 
from furtlier service, that moment I will pronounce 
it, with the greatest satisfaction. I have only the 
power of pronouncing a discharge, — not of giving it 
in any case: a distinction which 1 would wish should 
be borne in mind. Already have I sent to raise 
volunteers, on my responsibihty, to complete a cam- 
paign which has been so happily begun, and thus 
far so fortunately prosecuted. The moment they 
arrive, and I .im assured that, fired by our exploits, 
tiiey will hasten in crowds, on the first intimation 
that we need their services, they will be substituted 
in the place of those who are discontented here; the 
latter will then be permitted to return to their 
homes, witii all the honour which, under such cir- 
cumstances, they can carry along with them. But 
I still cherish the hope, that tlieir dissatisfaction and 
complauils have been greatly exaggerated. I can- 
not, mast not believe that the 'volunteers of Tennes- 
see,' a name ever dear to fame, will disgrace them- 
selves, and a country which they have honoured, by 
abandoning her standard, as mutineers and desert- 
ers; but should I bo disappointed, and compelled to 
resign this pleasing hope, one thing I will not resign 
— my duty. Mutiny and sedition, so long as I pos- 
sess the power of quelhng them, shall be put down: 
and even when left destitute ot this, I will still be 
found, in the last extremity, endeavouring to dis- 
charge the duty I owe my country and myself." 

89. To the platoon officers, who addressed him on 
8* 



90 LfFE or ANDREW JACKSON. 

the same subject, he replied with nearly the same 
spirited feeling: but discontent was too deeply fast- 
ened, and by designing men had been too artfully 
fomented, to be removed by any thing like argu- 
ment or entreaty. At length, on the evening of the 
9th of December, 1813, General Hall hastened to 
the tent of Jackson, with information that his whole 
brigade was in a state of mutiny, and making prepa- 
rations to move forcibly off. This was a measure 
which every consideration of policy, duty, and ho- 
nour required Jackson to oppose; and to this pur- 
pose he instantly applied all the means he possessed. 
He immediately issued the following general order: — 
"The commanding general being informed that an 
actual mutiny exists in his camp, all officers and sol- 
diers are commanded to put it down. The officers 
and soldiers of the first brigade will, without delay, 
parade on the west side of the fort, and await further 
orders." The artillery company, with two small 
field- pieces, being posted in the front and rear, and 
the militia, under the command of Colonel Wynne, 
on the eminences, in advance, were ordered to pre- 
vent any forcible departure of the volunteers. 

90. The general rode along the line, which had 
been previously formed agreeably to his orders, and 
addressed them, by companies, in a strain of impas- 
sioned eloquence. He feelingly expatiated on their 
former good conduct, and the esteem and applause it 
had secured them; and pointed to the disgrace which 
they must heap upon themselves, their families, and 
country, by persisting, even if they could succeed, 
in their present mutiny. He told them, however, 
they should not succeed but by passing over his bo- 
dy; that even in opposing their mutinous spirit, he 
should perish honourably — by perishing at his post. 



LIFE or ANDREW JACKSON. 91 

and in the discharge of his duty. "Reinforcements," 
he continued, "arc preparing to hasten to my assist- 
ance; it cannot be long before they will arrive. I 
am, too, in daily expectation of receiving information 
whether you may be discharged or not — until then, 
you must not and shall not relire. I have done with 
entreaty, — it has been used long enough. I will at- 
tempt it no more. You must now determine wheth- 
er you will go or peaceably remain; if you still per- 
sist in your determination to move forcibly off, the 
point between us shall soon be decided." At first 
they hesitated: he demanded an explicit and positive 
answer. They still hesitated, and he commanded 
the artillerist to prepare the match; he himself re- 
maining in front of the volunteers, and within the line 
of fire, which he intended soon to order. Alarmed 
at his apparent determination, and dreading the con- 
sequences involved in such a contest, "Let us return," 
was presently lisped along the line, and soon after 
determined upon. The officers now came forward 
and pledged themselves for their men, who either 
nodded assent or openly expressed a willingness to 
retire to their quarters, and remain without further 
tumult, until information were had or the expected 
aid should arrive. Thus passed away a moment of 
the greatest peril, and pregnant with important con- 
sequences. 

91. This matchless and ever memorable scene, 
the reader will observe, took place on the 10th of 
December, 1813 ; the volunteers having formed 
their first rendezvous, as he will recollect, on the 10th 
of December, 1812. One year had certainly expir- 
ed ; but there had not been a year's service; for they 
had not been in service from the 1st of May to the 
10th of October, 1813 ; so that there remained five 



D2 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

months of the year's service to come. The general 
was right in his construction ofthe bargain ; but, be- 
sides this, to have forsaken the campaign in such a 
manner would have been ruinous in the extreme: the 
savage enemy, not yet subdued, but exasperated to 
the last degree, would have assailed the unprotected 
frontiers, and have drenched in the blood ofthe de- 
fenceless citizens. 

92. This difficulty got over was by no means the 
last which he had to encounter discontents were 
everlastingly rising up in his army; the governor of 
Tennessee recommended him to abandon his enter- 
prise; he had to reject this advice with scorn. One 
general retired with his brigade; opposition after 
opposition he met with from different olficers, yet 
he proceeded on to assault the blood-thirsty enemy, 
in spite of every impediment, though he had to im- 
prison officers, to hang a militia soldier, and to do 
things which it appears almost to require credu- 
lity unbounded to believe to be true. Finally, how- 
ever, he succeeded: he subdued the savage tribes; 
he reduced them to sue for pardon and for peace; 
he concluded a treaty with tliem; took them out of 
the hands of the more crafty and more powerful 
enemy of America; and cleared the way for a battle, 
single-handed, with the British, on the Gulf of Mex- 
ico, and finally at New-Orleans. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 93 



CHAPTER IV. 

FROM APRIL, 1814, TO DECEMBER, 1814. 

Perfidious conduct of the Spanish governor of Pensacola — Jackson's remon- 
strance— Nicholl's proclamation— Defeat of the British at Fort Bowyer, 
by Major Lawrence — Reduction of Pensacola, and retreat of the British 
— Jackson's arrival at New Orleans— Preparations made by the British 
for the reduction of New-Orleans. 

He was now (spring of 1611) appointed to be 
a major-general in liie service of the United States, 
The protection of the coast near the mouths of the 
Mississippi was intrusted to him; and his first at- 
tention was turned to the comfort, the encourage- 
ment, the protection which tlie savages received 
from the Spanish governor and Spanish authori- 
ties in the fortress of Pensacola, which is situated 
on tiie Gulf of Mexico, at about a hundred miles' 
distance from New-Orleans, about thirty miles 
from the frontiers of the state of Alabama, and 
about a hundred miles from the main fastness of 
the Creek Indians. His opinion was, that the sa- 
vages were always receiving assistance from the 
Spanish garrison, and from the British, throua;h 
the means of that gairison; and he was persuaded 
that, finally, the British would assail New-Orleans 
by means of preparations made at Pensacola. Oa 
his way to the south, he learned that about three 
hundred British troops had landed, and were for- 
tifying themselves at no g;reat distance from Pen- 
sacola. In this state of things, he endeavoured to 
prevail upon the Spanish governor to desist from 
all acts injurious to the United States. The Span- 
ish governor shufl[led at first, and afterward lied as 
boldly as a harlot or a valet-de-chambre. By this 
time, and before this time, the news had been re- 



94 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

ceived of the full of Napoleon, and of his banish- 
ment to Elba. This event had inspired with new 
villany, and new courage, every villain upon the 
face of this earth. This Spanish garrison was, in 
fact, a rendezvous for the British: it was a rendez- 
vous for the savage enemies of the United States. 
C'.ptain Gordon, sent by Jackson to see what was 
passing, in the month of August (1814), reported 
to the general, that he had seen from filty to two 
hundred ofQcers and soldiers, a park of artillery, 
about five hundred savages under the drill of Bri- 
tish officers, and dressed in the English uniform. 
He wrote to the government, and remonstrated 
with it upon the subject of its timidity in permit- 
ting this. The secretary at war, that same Arm- 
strong that we have mentioned before, in the 2d 
chapter, coincided with him in opinion upon this 
point, and, indeed, authorized iiim to attack Pen- 
sacola; but, though this letter bore date of the 
18th of July, 1814, it was never received by Jack^ 
son until the I7th of January, 1815; that is to say, 
nine days after tlie British army had been paitly 
slaughtered, and partly driven into the sea, before 
IVew-Orleans! After writing this letter, this same 
Armstrong took care to leave the city of Wash- 
ington totally deprived of all defence. It is im- 
possible to believe that there was not treason here; 
at the very least it was a contrivance to have in 
reserve the grounds of throwing the blame of fail- 
ure upon Jackson. 

94. Mobile is a fort belonging to the Ameri- 
cans, at the head of a little bay in theGulf of Mex- 
ico, and in the territory of Alabama. To the Mo- 
bile he repaired. Th«re he learned that the ap- 
proach of a great British force might be expected; 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 95 

and that the final object was the cnpture of the 
city of New-Orleans. At this time (August, 
1814) Colonel NichoUs, of the British army, ar- 
rived at Pensacola, whence he issued a proclama- 
tion to the southern and western inhabitants of the 
United Slates; and from that garrison he issued 
his proclamation, every word and every syllable 
of which ouoht to be remembered for ages by the 
people of England, as well as the people of 
America. 

Proclamation of Colonel Nichollt to the Southern and TVestern 

Inhabitants. 

Natives of LoTiisianal on you tlie first call is made, to assist in liberating 
from a faithless, imbecile government your paternal soil: Spaniards, French- 
men, Italians, and British, whether settled or residing for a time in Louisi- 
ana, on you also 1 call, tu aid me in this just cause. The American usurpa- 
tion in tliis country must be abolished, and the lawful owners of the »oil put 
in possession. I am at the Inad of a large body of Indians, well armed, ais- 
ciplincd, and commanded by British ofiicers — a gond train of artillery, with 
every requisite, secondtd by the powerful aid of a numerous British and 
Spanish squadron of shi]>3 and vessels of war. Be not alarmed, inhabitants 
01 the country, at our approach; the same good faith and disinterestedness 
•whicli have distinguished the conduct of Britoni in Europe accom(>»ny them 
here; you will have no fear of litigious taxes imposed on you for the purpose 
of carrying on an unnatural and unjust war; your property, your laws, the 
peace and tranq\iillity of your country, will U- guaranteed to you by men 
who will suffer no infringement of theirs; rest assured that these brave red 
men onVy burn with an ardent desire of satisfaction for the wrongs they 
have suffered from the Americans; to join you in liberating these southern 
province? from their yoke, and drive them into those limits formerly pre- 
scribed by my sovertrign. The Indians have pledged themselves in the most 
solemn manner not to injure, in the slightest degree, the persons or proper- 
lies of any but enemies. A flag over any door, whether Spanish, French, or 
British, will be a certain protection; nor dare any Indian put his foot on the 
threshold thereof, under penalty of death f-om his own countrymen; not 
even an enemy will an Indian put to death, except resisting in arms; and as 
for injuring helpless women and children, the red men, by their good con- 
duct and treatment to tiiein, will (if it be possible) make the Americans 
blush for their more inhuman conduct, lately on the Escambia, and within a 
neutral territory. 

Inhabitants of Kentucky, yon have too long borne with grievous imposi- 
tions — the whole brunt f the war has tallen on your brave sons; be imposed 
on no longer, but either range yourselves under the standard of your fore- 
fathers, or observe a strict nutrality. If you comply with either of these 
offers, whatever provisions you send down will be paid for in dollars, and 
the safety of the persons bringing it, as well as the free navigation of the 
Mississippi, guaranteed to you. 

Men ol Kentucky, let me call to your view (and I trust to your abhor- 
rence) the conduct of those factions which hurried you into this civil, unjusJ, 



90 LIFE or ANDREW JACKSON. 

and unnatural war, at a time when Great Britain was straining every ueryc 
in defence of her own and the liberties of the world— when the bravest of 
her sons were fighting and bleeding in so sacred a cause— when she was 
spending millions of her treasure in endeavouring to pull down one of the 
most formidable and dangerous tyrants that ever disgraced the lorm of 
man— when groaning Europe was almost in her last gasp— when Britons 
alone showed an undaunted front— basely did those assassins endeavour to 
stab her from the rear; she has turned on them, renovated from the bloody 
but successful struggle— Europe is happy and free, and she now hastens to 
aveno-e the unprovoked insult. Show them that you are not coll-'ctively un- 
just;'']eave that contemptible few to shift for themselves; let those slaves of 
the tyrant send an embassy to Elba, and imi)lore his aid; but let every 
honest, upright American spurn them with united couiempt. After the ex- 
perience of twenty-one years, can you longer support those brawlers for 
liberty who call it freedom when themselves are free? Be no longer their 
dupes— accept of my offers — every thing I have promised in this paper I 
guaranty to you on the sacred honour of a British olhcer. 

Given under my hand, at my head-quarters, Pensacola, 
this 29th day of August, 1814. 

EDWARD NICHOLLS. 

95. I am aware that the reader will laugh at this 
"sacred honour of a British officer,'' who says, that 
he is "comin^r at the head of a large body o/sav- 
acres," and who tells them that he will free them 
from litigious taxes." I wonder whether we in 
England are now paying ta.^es to keep this Colonel 
Nicholls and his ianiily. However, here is this man 
of "sacred honour" telling the Americans that 
his '* head- quarters" are at Pensacola, though the 
scoundrel Spaniard pleaded his neutrality. 

96. The first act of hostility here, on the part of 
the British, was on a fort called Fort Bowyer, on 
the Mobile. On the loth of September, 1814, 
Nicholls and Woodbine approached by land, while 
several vessels approached by sea, mounting alto- 
gether ninety guns. This expedition ended in the 
blowing up of one of the English ships, greatly 
damaging another, and sending off the proclama- 
tion-maker with the loss of one of his ships, and, 
as was said, one of his eyes. Major Lawrence 
commanded in the American fort. His brave band 
consisted of only one hundred and thirty men, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 97 

Avhile the force of the British wa^s, as we have seen, 
ninety ^uns by sea, while NichoHs and Woodbine 
assaulted tiie fort by land, with a iwelve-poiiiid 
howitzer, and several liundreds of marines, sailors, 
and savages. This was an alfair singularly hon- 
ourable to Major Laurence and his men. The 
disparity of force was incredible ; and this disij;race- 
ful beating at the outset must have had a consider- 
able effect upon the enemy. Jackson was, how- 
ever, resolved to break up the rendezvous of Pen- 
sacola; and on the Gth of November, lbl4, he 
marched against it, demolished all its defences 
and protections, drove out the British and the 
savages, and taught Nicholls and the Spanish ijov- 
ornor that, though Bonaj)arle was banished to Elba, 
there was still one country lelt which was not to be 
insulted with impunity by thesatelliles ofdespotism. 
97. Havin<r (nvcn the hauirhty and insolent foe 
a foretaste of that which was to come, he re|)aired 
to that which was to be the gran<l scene of action. 
He arrived at tlic city of New-Orleans on the 1st 
of December, 1814. News had been received of 
the approach of a British llect. The first intelli- 
gence of this sort was received onthc 4th of De- 
cember. Cochrane, who commanded the Biitisb 
fleet, and who had the celebrated Sir George Cock- 
burn under him, had collected all their forces to- 
gether, after they had been beaten ofl' from before 
13altimore,and had sailed oflfor New-Orleans, whith- 
er Nicholls had been sent before to prepare the way 
for the proclamation, which we have just seen issued 
from his head-quarters at Pensacola. They were to 
be joined, as they afterward were, by a strong body of 
the "heroes of the Peninsula.'' Their tbrce altogeth- 
9 



98 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



er was prodigious : sliips of the line, frigates, sloops 
of war, fire-ships, great numbers of furnaces to 
heat red-hot sliol, Congreve rockets , all manner 
of materials for sajiping, and mining, and blowing 
up: an expedition costing, in all probability, 
more than a million of pounds sterling in the fit- 
ting out. There were eleven thousand regular 
"heroes of the Peninsula;" there were four gener- 
als, two admirals, at the least; twelve thousand, at 
the least, of seamen and marines, artillery in abun- 
dance, of all sorts; perhaps a hundred gun-boats 
and barges ; and every expense ready to be incurr- 
ed for the employment of persons of all sorts; be- 
sides numerous bands of savages ready to come 
in, if the attack had succeeded. Here, after all, 
there was nothing equal to the perils of the Indian 
campaign ; but there was quite enough to daunt 
any man that ever lived, except the man who had 
to face all this. 



CHAPTER V. 

FROM THE 1ST OF DECEMBER, 1814, TO MARCH, 1815. 

Defence of New-Orleans— Jackson is beset with traitors and spies— Arm* 
not sent to him— Enemy lands on the 23d December— He inarirhes in thtJ 
night and drives them back — Divers smaller enga<!;ements — The traitors 
in the assembly and in the towuconspire against liim— Def<.ats the British 
wilh great slaughter, 8th January— Drives them out of the country— His 
farewell address to his army— The sneaking account given by the British 
government of this important transaction. 

98. Wjc have seen that Jackson, having receiv-| 
ed intelligence which made him believe, and ([uite a, 
certain indeed, tliat the intentions of the British,^, 
was to get possession of the mouths of the Mis-"*'^ 
sissippi, of the whole state of Louisiana, and par-- 
ticularly of that rich prize the city of NeW'Or-' 



LIFE OF AXDREW JACKSON. 



99 



leans, crammed with sugar, coffee, flour, cotton, 
and all sorts of mercliantiise, repaired thither, that 
is to say, to the city itself, on the 1st of Decem- 
ber, IHl 1. On the Gih of December, he received 
certain inlelliger)ce that a iarire British force was 
off the port of Pensacola, destined against New- 
Orleans; that it amoiuued to about eighty vessels,' 
and that more than doub X e that number were mo- 
rrientarilylookc d for to form a junction wTliniiose 



already arrived; that there were in this fleet vessels 
of all descriptions, contrived for the most deadly 
purposes, with a large body of land troops. That 
Admiral Cochrane had the command, and that his 
ship, the Tonnant, was then (Ith December) ly- 
in*: ofl" Pensacola. 

DiJ. The hour now arrived, then, in which was 
to be tried the naked courage of undisciplined 
Americans against the best that Great Britain was 
able to produce, with every advantage to boot. 
Without stoj>ping to relate the preliminary move- 
ments, and all the preparations for attack made by 
the British, I come at once to the beginning of 
the fighting, which took place on the '2'M of De- 
cember, when, in the evening, the BrilTsli made "a 
landincr, and when Jackson resolved, at all events, 
to march and ^^ive them battle. I must stop here, 
however, to observe on something much more in- 
teresting than the mere fij;hling: it is not mere 
fighting that will depict to us the true character 
of a general and a statesman. Here Jackson had 
to contend against difficulties and dangers of 
«very description. The comparatively small num- 
ber, and the want of discipline, of his troops, I do 
not reckon among his diflicuhies; but treason, in 
-every quarter an d corner o f the city an3TTiTstate 



100 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

which he liad to defend; spies continually comrau* 
nic'.uing wiih the enemy; base and cowardly 
Frencli and Spanisli merchants, and paper-mouey 
makers, all piificd up with exultation at the tri- 
umph of the despots of Europe and the banish- 
ment of Napoleon to Elba (events which had just 
taken place,) and all full of the hope and expecta- 
tion that Jackson and his army would be cut to 
pieces (it beinir to be observed, that this state of 
Louisiaiia had been purchased from the French by 
the Americans no longer before than in the year 
1811); newspaper traitors endoavourintr to sow 
discontent in his army, and when he imprisoned 
the author, a traitor judge found to order iiis re- 
lease on a habeas corpus, whereupon he imprison- 
ed the traitor judge; but, above all things, a want 
of arms, owing to the scandalous neglect of ofRf 
cers of the federal government, which made it pe- 
rilous for him to suffer comnuinication between 
even his own lines, it being absolutely necessary 
for him to keep from the enemy a knowledge of 
his unarmed and destitute situation. These things, 
much more than the force of the enemy, and all 
their immense means of attack, rendered liis situ- 
ation perilous. Driven to the extremity of pro- 
claiming martial law, and of enforcing it with the 
utmost severity; there was he, with his handful of 
faithful men, who had come down to him, unarm* 
ed and unprovided, a distance of five hundred 
miles; with faithful generals and brother-otlkers 
to be sure: but with a people to defend who were 
ready to stab him in the back, while a powerful in- 
vading army was coming at him in front; and 
even with a legislative assembly proposing to ca- 
pitulate with the enemy, and to surrender them- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. lOl 

selves, their city, and their state, to the mercy of 
that enemv. 

100. It was with all these difficulties and dan- 
gers staring him in the face that he boldly proceed- 
ed on to the deliverance of his country; and now 
we are froinfr to enter on the most interestinnf de- 
tails of his proceedings in effecting this deliver- 
ance. 

101. On the 23d of December, as lias been be- 
fore related, the cue ny made a landing; and Jack- 
son, wantinir to gain time to com|)lete his lines, 
and also thinking it of importance to give the en- 
emy a taste of the ditliculties which he would have 
to overcome, determined to proceed to attack the 
<2nemy in the night of the '^'3d of December. Ge- 
cierals Coffee and Carroll were ordered to proceed 
emmediately froin their encampment, and join him 
with all haste. Although four miles above, they 
arrived in tiie city in less than two hours after the 
order had been issued. Tiiese forces, with the 
seventh and forty-fourth regiments, the Loui^siana 
troops, and Colonel Hind's dragoons, from Mis- 
sissippi, constituted the strength of his army, 
■which could be carried into action against an ene- 
my whose numbers, at this time, could only be 
conjectured. It was thought advisable that Ge- 
neral Carroll and his division should be disposed 
in the rear, for the reason that there was no cor- 
rect information of the force landed through Vil- 
lery's canal, and because Jackson feared that this 
probably might be merely a feint intended to divert 
his attention, while a much stronger and more nu- 
merous division, having already gained some point 
higher on the lake, might by advancing in his ab- 

9* 



102 LIFE OP ANDREW JACKSON. 

sencc, gain his rear, and succeed in their designs. 
Uncertain of their movements, it was essential he 
should be prepared for the worst, and by different 
dispositions of iiis troops be ready to resist, in 
whatever quarter he miirht be assailed. Carroll, 
therefore, at the head of his division, and Gover- 
nor Claiborne, with the state militia, were direct- 
ed to take post on the Gcntilly road, which leads- 
from Chef Menteur to New-Orleans and to defend 
it to the last extremity. 

10-2. Alarm pervaded the city. The marching^ 
and countermarching of the troops, ihe proximity 
of the enemy, with the approaching contest, and 
uncertainty of the issue, had excited a general 
fear. Already might the British be on their way 
and at hand before the necessary arrangements 
could be made to oppose them. To prevent this, 
Colonel Hayne, with two companies of riflemen 
and the Mississippi dragoons, was sent forward to 
reconnoitre their camp, learn their position and 
their numbers, and if they should be found ad- 
vancing, to harass and oppose them at every step 
until the main body should arrive. 

103. Every thing being ready, Gcncrcd Jackson 
commenced his march, to meet and fight the veteran 
troops of England. An mconsidcrable circumstance 
at this moment evinced what unlimited confidence 
was reposed in his skill and bravery. As his troops 
were marching through the city, his ears were as- 
sailed with the screams and cries of innumerable fe- 
males, who had collected on the way, aud seemed 
to apprehend the worst of consequences. Feeling 
for their distresses, and anxious to quiet th.om, he di- 
rected Mr. Livingston, one of his aids-de "Camp, to 
address them in the French language. "Say to 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 103 

them," said he, "not to be alarmed: the enemy shall 
never reach the city." It operated like an electric 
shock. To know that he himself was not apprehen- 
sive of a fatal result inspired them with altered feel- 
ings; sorrow was ended, and their grief converted 
into hope and confidence. 

104. The general arrived in view of the enemy a 
little before dark. Having previously ascertained 
from Colonel Ilayne, who had been sent in advance, 
their position, and that their strength was about two 
thousand men,* he immediately concerted the mode 
.of attack, and hastened to execute it. Commodore 
Patterson, who commanded the naval forces on this 
«tation, with Captain IJenly, on board the Caroline, 
had been directed to drop down, anchor in front of 
ftheir line, and open upon them from the guns of the 
schooner; this being the appointed signal, when giv- 
en, the attack was to be waged simultaneously on all 
rsides. The fires from their camp disclosed their po- 
sition, and showed their encampment, formed with 
their left resting on the river, and extending at right 
angles into the open field. General Coifee, with his 
brigade. Colonel Hind's dragoons, and Captain 
Beal's company of riflemen, was ordered to oblique 
to the left, and, by a circuitous route, avoid their 
. pickets, and endeavour to turn their right wing; 
having succeeded in this, to form his line, and press 
the enemy towards the river, where they would be 
exposed more completely to the fire of the Caroline. 
The rest of the troops, consisting of the regulars, 
Ploache's city volunteers, Daquin's coloured troops, 
the artillery under Lieutenant Spotts, supported by 

♦This opinion, as it afterward appeared, was incorrect. The number of 
tfee British, at the oommenccinciit of the action, was three thousand, and 
was shortly afterward increased by additional forces; Jackson's strength did 
not exceed two thousand. 



104 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

a company of marines commanded by Colonel 
M'Kee, advanced on the road along the bank ol the 
Mississippi, and were commanded by Jackson in per- 
son. 

105. General Coffee with silence and caution had 
advanced beyond their pickets, next the swamp, and 
nearly readied the point to whicli he was ordered, 
when a broadside from the Caroline announced the 
battle begun. Patterson had proceeded slowly, giv- 
ing time, as he believed, for the execution of those 
arrangements contemplated on the shore. So san- 
guine had the British been in the belief that they 
would be kindly received, and little opposition at- 
tempted, that the Caroline floated by the sentinels; 
and anchored before their camp without any kind of 
molestation. On passing the front ])icket she was 
hailed in a low tone of voice, but not returning an 
answer, no further question was made. This added 
to some other attendant circumstances, confirmed 
the opinion that they believed her a vessel laden 
with provisions, which had been sent out from New- 
Orleans, and was intended for them. Having reach- 
ed what, from their fires, appeared to be the centre 
of their encampment, her anchors were cast, and her 
character and business disclosed from her guns. So 
unexpected an attack produced a momentary con- 
fusion; but recovering, she was answered by a dis- 
charge of musketry and flight of Congreve rockets, 
which passed without injury, while the grape and 
canister from her guns were pouring destructively on 
them. To take away the certainty of aim afforded 
by the light from their fires, these were immediately 
extinguished, and they retired two or three hundred 
yards into the open field, if not out of the reach of 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 105 

the cannon, at least to a distance, where by the 
darkness of the night they would be protected. 

106. Coffee had dismounted his men, and turned 
his liorses loose, at a large ditch, next the swamp, 
in tiie rear of Larond's plantation, and gained, as he 
believed, the centre of the enemy's line, when the 
signal from the Caroline reached him. He directly 
wheeled his columns in, and extending his line par- 
allel with the river, moved towards their camp. He 
had advanced scarcely more than a hundred yards, 
when he received a heavy fire, from a line formed in 
his front; this, to him, was an unexpected circum- 
stance, as he supposed the enemy lying principally 
at a distance, and that the only opposition he should 
meet, until he approached towards the levee,* would 
be iVum their advanced pickets. The circumstance 
of his coming in contact with them so soon was owing 
to the severe attack of the schooner, which had com- 
pelled the enemy to abandon their camp, and form 
witliout the reach of her guns. The moon shone, 
but reflected her light too feebly to discover objects 
at a distance. The only means, therefore, of pro- 
ducing a certain etilct, with the kind of force en- 
gaged, which consisted chiefly of riflemen, was not 
to venture at random, but to discharge their pieces 
only when there should be a certainty of felling the 
object. This order being given, the line pressed on, 
and having gained a position near enough to distin- 
guish, a general fire was given; it was well directed, 
and too severe and destructive to be withstood; the 

•Baiilts Ihrovn upou the margin of the river to confine the stream to iti 
bed; and which are extended along llit Mississippi on both sides, from the 
termination of the hichlands, utar Baton Kougc. Fiequently the river in 
its vernal floods rises above the elevation of th« plains, and then the security 
of the country depends on ihe strength of those levees; they not unfrequent- 
ly break, when incalculable injury i» the consequence. 



106 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

enemy gave way and retreated, — rallied, — formed,. 
— were charged, and again retreated. The gallant, 
yeomanry, led by their brave commander, urged 
fearlessly on, and drove their invaders from every 
position they attempted to maintain. Tlieir general 
was under no necessity to encourage and allure them 
to deeds of valour: his own example was sufficient 
to excite them. Always in the midst, he displayed 
a coolness and disregard of danger, calling to his 
troops that they had often said they could fight — 
now v/as the time to prove it. 

107. The British, driven back by the resolute 
firmness and ardour of the assailants, had now reach- 
ed a grove of orange-trees, witii a ditch running past 
it, protected by a fence on the margin. Here they 
were halted and formed for battle. It was a favour- 
able position, promising security, and was occupied 
witli a confidence they could not be forced to yield 
it. Colfee's dauntless yeomanry, strengthened in 
their hopes of success, moved on, nor discovered the 
advantages against them, until a fire from the entire 
British line showed their position and defence. A 
sudden check was given; but it was only momenta- 
ry, for gathering fresh ardour, they charged across 
the ditch, gave a deadly and destructive fire, and 
forced them to retire. The retreat continued, until 
gaining a similar position, the British made another 
stand, and were again driven from it with considera- 
ble loss. 

108. Thus the battle raged on the left wing, until 
the British reached the bank of the river; here a 
determined stand was made, and further encroach- 
ments resisted: for half an hour the conflict was 
extremely violent on hoth sides. The American 
troops could not be driven from their purpose, nor 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 107 

the British made to yield their ground; but at length, 
having suffered greatly? the latter were under the 
necessity of taking rct'uge behind the levee, which 
afforded a breast-work, and protected them from the 
fatal fire of our riflemen. Coffee, unacquainted with 
their position, for the darkness had greatly increased, 
already contemplated again to charge them; but 
one of his officers, who had discovered the advan- 
tage their situation gave them, assured him it was 
too hazardous; that they could be driven no further, 
and would, from the point they occupied, resist with 
the bayonet, and repel, with considerable loss, any 
attempt that might be made to dislodge them. Tho 
place of tlicir retirement was covered in front by a 
strong bank, which had been extended into the field, 
to keep out the river, in consequence of the first 
being encroached upon, and undermined in several 
places: the former, however, was still entire in many 
parts, which, interposing between them and tho 
Mississippi, afforded security from the broadsides of 
the schooner, which lay off at some distance. A 
further apprehension, lest, by moving still nearer to 
the river, he iTiight greatly expose himself lo the firo 
of the Caroline, which was yet spiritedly maintain- 
ing the conflict, induced Coffee to retire until he 
could hear from the commanding general, and re- 
ceive his further orders. 

109. During this time the right wing, under Jack- 
son, had been no less prompt and active. A detach- 
ment of artillery, under Lieutenant Spotts, suppor- 
ted by sixty marines, and constituting the advance, 
had moved down the road next the levee. On 
their le t was the seventh regiment of infantry, led 
by iMajor Piere. The forty- fourth, command by 
JVIajor Baker, was formed on the extreme left; while 



108 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Plauclie's and Daquin's battalions of city guards were 
directed to be posted in the centre, between the 
seventh and forty- fourtii. The general had ordered 
Colonel Ross (who during the night acted in the ca- 
pacity of brigadier-general, for he was without a 
brigadier), on hearing the signal from the Caroline, 
to move off by heads of companies, and, on reaching 
the enemy's line, to deploy, and unite the left win^ 
of his command with the right of General Coffee's. 
This order was omitted to be executed: and the con. 
sequence was an early introduction of confusion in 
the ranks, whereby was prevented the important 
design of unithig the two divisions. 

110. Instead of moving in column from the first 
position, the troops, with the exception of the sev- 
enth regiment, next the person of the general, which 
advanced agreeably to the instructions that had been 
given, were formed and marched in extended line. 
Having sufficient ground to form on at first, no in- 
convenience was at the moment sustained; but this 
advantage presently failing, the centre became com- 
pressed, and was forced in the rear. The river, 
from where they were formed, gradually inclined to 
the left, and diminished the space originally posses- 
sed: farther in stood Larond's house, surrounded by 
a grove of clustered orange-trees tliis pressing the 
left, and the river the right wing to the centre, form- 
ed a curve, which presently threw the principal 
part of Plauche's and Daquin's battalions without the 
line. This inconvenience might have been reme- 
died, but for the briskness of the advance, and the 
darkness of the nif^ht. A heavv fire from behind a 
fence, immediately before them, had brought the en- 
emy to view. Acting in obedience to their orders, 
not to waste their ammunition at random, our troops 



♦ LIFK OF ANDREW JACKSON. 109 

had pressed forward gainst tlie opposition in their front 
and thereby threw those battalions in tlie rear. 
111. A fog rising from the river, and which, ad- 
ded to the smoke from the guns, was covering the 
plain, gradually diminished the httle h'ght shed by 
the moon, and greatly increased the darkness of the 
night: no clew was left to ascertain how or where 
the enemy were situated. There was no alterna- 
tive but to move on in the direction of their fire, 
which subjected the assailants to material disadvan- 
tages. The British, driven from their first position, 
had retired back, and occupied another, behind a 
deep ditch, that ran out of the Mississippi towards 
the swamp, on the margin ot which was a woodrailed 
fence. Here, strengthened by increased numbers, 
they again opposed the advance of our troops. 
Having waited until they had approached sufliciently 
near to be discovered, from their fastnesses they dis- 
charged a fire upon the advancing army. Instantly 
our battery was formed, and poured destructively 
upon them; while the infantry, pressing forward, 
aided in the conflict, which at this point was for some 
time spiritedly maintained. At this moment a brisk 
sally was made upon our advance, when the mari- 
nes, unequal to the assault, were already giving way. 
The adjutant-general, and Colonels Piatt and Chot- 
ard, with a part of the seventh, hastening to their 
support, drove the enemy, and saved the artillery 
from capture. General Jackson, perceiving the 
decided advantages which were derived from the 
position they occupied, ordered their line to be char- 
ged. It was obeyed with cheerfulness, and executed 
with promptness. Pressing on, our troops gained 
the ditch, and pouring across it a well-aimed fire, 
compelled them to retreat, and to abandon their in- 
10 



IID LIFE or ANDREW JACKSON. I 

trenchment. The plain on which they were conten- 
ding was cut to pieces, by races from the river, to 
convey the water to the swamp. The enemy were 
therefore very soon enabled to occupy another posi- 
tion, equally favourable with the one whence they 
had been just driven, where they formed for battle, 
and for some time gallantly maintained themselves; 
but which at length, and after stubborn resistance, 
they were forced to yield. 

112. The enemy, discovering the firm and obsti- 
nate advance made by the right wing of the Ameri- 
can army, and presuming perhaps that its principal 
strength was posted on the road, formed the inten- 
tion of attacking violently the left. Obliquing for 
this purpose, an attempt was made to turn it. At 
this moment, Daquin's and the battalion of city 
guards, being marched up and formed on the left 
of the forty-fourth regiment, met and repulsed them. 

113. The particular moment of the contest pre- 
vented many of those benefits whitih might have 
been derived from the artillery. The darkness of 
the night was such that the blaze of the enemy's 
musketry was the only light afforded by which to 
determine their position, or be capable of taking 
our own to advantage; yet, notwithstanding, it great- 
ly annoyed them, whenever it could be brought 
to bear. Directed by Lieutenant Spotts, a vigilant 
and skilful officer, with men to aid him who looked 
to nothing but a zealous discharge of their duty, the 
most essential and important services were rendered. 

114. The enemy had been thrice assailed and 
beaten, and for nearly a mile compelled to yield their 
ground. They had now retired, and, if found, were 
to be sought for amid the darkness of the night. 
The general determined to halt, and ascertain Cof- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. Ill 

fee's position and success, previously to waging the 
battle further; for as yet no communication had 
passed between them. He entertained no doubt, from 
the brisk firing in that direction, that he had been 
warmly engaged; but this had now nearly subsided: 
the Caroline, too, had almost ceased her operations; 
it being only occasionally that the noise of her guns 
disclosed the little opportunity she possessed of act- 
ing efficiently. 

115. The express despatched to General Jackson 
from the left wing having reached him, he deter- 
mined to prosecute the successes he had gained no 
further. The darkness of the night, the confusion 
into which his own division had been thrown, and a 
similar disaster produced on the part of Coffee, all 
pointed to the necessity of retiring from the field, 
and abandoning the contest. The bravery and 
firmness already displayed by his troops had induced 
with him a belief that by pressing forward he might 
capture the whole British army: at any rate, he con- 
sidered it but a game of venture and hazard, which, 
if unsuccessful, could not occasion his own defeat. 
If incompetent to its execution,and superior numbers 
or superior discipline should compel him to recede 
from the effort, he well knew the enemy would not 
have temerity enough to attempt pursuit. The ex- 
treme darkness, their entire ignorance of the situa- 
tion of the country, and an apprehension lest their 
forces might be greatly out-numbered, afforded suf- 
ficient reasons on which to ground a belief, that al- 
though beaten from his purpose, he would yet have 
it in his power to retire in safety: but on the arrival 
of the express l>om General Coffee, learning the 
strong position to which the enemy had retired, and 
that a part of the left wing had been detached, and 



112 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

were in all probability captured, he determined to 
retire from the contest, nor attempt a farther pro- 
secution of his successes. General Coffee was ac- 
cordingly directed to withdraw, and take a position 
at Larond's plantation; where the line had been first 
formed; and tiiitherthe troops on the right were also 
ordered to be marched. 

116. The last charge made by the left wing had 
separated from the main body Colonels Dyer and 
Gibson, with two hundred men, and Captain 
Beale's company of riflemen. What might be their 
fate, whether they were captured or had effected 
their retreat, was, at this time, altogether uncer- 
tain ; be that as it might, Coffee's command was 
thereby consi<lerably weakened. 

117. Colonel Dyer, who commanded the extreme 
left, on clearin.g the grove, after the enemy had 
retired, was inarching in a direction vhere he ex- 
pected to find General Coffee; he very soon dis- 
covered a force in front, and haltino- his men, has- 
tened towards it ; arriving within a short distance, 
he was hailed, ordered to stop, and report to whom 
he belonged ; Dyer, and Gibson, his lieutenant- 
colonel, who had accompanied him, advanced and 
stated they were of Coffee's brigade ; by this time 
they had arrived within a short distance of the line, 
and perceiving that the name of the brigade they 
had stated was not understood, t!ieir apprehensions 
were awakened lest it might be a detachment of 
the enemy ; in this (►pinion they were immediately 
confirmed, and wheeling to return, were fired on 
and pursued. Gibson had scarcely started when he 
fell ; before he could recover, a soldier quicker 
than the rest had reached him, and pinned him to 
the ground with his bayonet; fortunately the stab 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. Il3 

had but slightly wounded him, and he was only 
held by his clothes ; thus pinioned, and perceiving 
others to be briskly advancing, but a moment was 
left for deliberation , making a violent exertion, 
and springing to his feet, he threw hi-i assailant to 
the ground, and made good his retreat. Colonel 
Dyer had retreated about fifty yards, when his horse 
dropped dead ; entangled in the fall, and slightly 
wounded in the thigh, there was little prospect of 
relief, for the enemy were briskly advancing; his 
men being near at hand, he ordered them to ad- 
vance and fire, which checked their approach, and 
enabled him to escape. Being now at the head of 
his command, — perceivini; an enemy in a direction 
he had not expected, and uncertain how or where 
he mi{*;hl find General Coffee, he determined to 
seek him to the riixht, and movinnfon with his lit- 
tic band, forced his way through the enemy's lines, 
with the loss of sixty-three of his men, who were 
killed and taken. Captain Beal, with equal brave- 
ry, charged through the enemy, carrying otT some 
prisoners, and losing several of his own company. 
118. This reinforcement of the British had ar- 
rived from Bayou Bienvenu after night. The boats 
that landed the first detachment had proceeded 
back to the shipping, and having returned, were 
on their way up the Bayou, when they heard the 
guns of the Caroline ; moving hastily on to the as- 
sistance of those who had debarked before them, 
they reached the shore, and knowing nothing of 
the situation of the two armies, during the engage- 
ment advanced in the rear of General CofTee's bri- 
gade. Coming in contact with Colonel Dyer and 
10* 



114 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



Captain Beal, Ihey fled off to the lelt, and reached 
the British lines. 

J 19. This detached part of Coffee's brigade, un- 
able ti) unite with or fini^ him, retired to the place 
where they had first lormed, and joined Colonel 
Hinds' dragoons, which had remained on th'* 
ground where the troops had first disrnomued, that 
they might cover their retreat if it betarne neces- 
sary. 

120. Jackson had gone into this battle confident 
■of success ; and his arrangements were such as 
would have ensured it even to a much greater ex- 
tent, but for the intervention of circumstances that 
were not and could not be foreseen. The Caro- 
line had fjiven her sifrnals and commenced the bat- 
tie a little two early, before Coffee had reached and 
taken his position, and before every thing was ful- 
ly in readiness to attain the objects designed : but 
it was chiefly" owing to the confusion introduced 
at first into the ranks v/hich checked the rapidijy 
of his advance, — gave the enemy time for prepa- 
ration, and prevented his divisi()n from uniting 
with the riglit wing of General Coffee's brigade. 

1*21. Colonel Hinds, with one hundred and eigh- 
ty dragoons, was not brought into action during the 
night. Interpersed as the plain was u ilh innum- 
erable ditches, diverging in different directions, it 
was impossible that cavalry could act to any kind 
of advantage ; they were now formed in advance, 
to watch, until morning, the movements of the 
enemy. 

122. From the experiments just made, Jackson 
believed it would be in his power, on renewing 
the attack, to capture the British army: he con- 
cluded, therefore, to order down to hi^ assistance 



Lirn OF ANDREW JACKSON. 115 

V^eneral Carroll, with his division, and lo as«^ail 
them again at the dawn of day. Directing Gover- 
nor Chtiborne to remain at his post, with tlie Lou- 
isiana militia, for the defence of an important pass 
to the city, the Gentilly road, he despatched an 
express to Carroll, stating to him, that if there had 
been no appearance of a force during the night, in 
the direction of Chief Mcntenr, to hasten and join 
him with the troops under his commatid ; this order 
was executed by one o'clock in the morning. — 
Previously, however, to his arrival, a different de- 
termination was made. From prisoners who had 
been brought in, and through deserters, it was as- 
certained that the strength ot the enemy during the 
battle was four thousand, and, with the reinforce- 
inetits which had re^iched them after its coiumcnce- 
inont, and during the action, their force could not 
be less than six ; at any rate, it would greatly ex- 
ceed his own, even after the Tennessee division 
should be added. Although very decided advan- 
tages had been obt.iined, yet they had been pro- 
cured under circumstances that might be wholly 
lost in a contest waged in open day, between forces 
so disproportionate, and by uiidisciplined trooj)s 
against veteran soldiers. Jackson well knew it was 
incumbent upon him lo act a part entirely defensive: 
should the attempt to gain and destroy the city suc- 
ceed, Rumerous didiculties would present them- 
selves, which might be avoided so long as he could 
hold the enemy in check, and halt him in his de- 
signs. Prompted by these considerations — that it 
was im|)ortant to pursue a course calculated to as- 
sure safety, and believing it ailainable in no way 
so cfFeclually as in occupying some point, and 
by the strength he might give it compensate 



116 LIFR OP ANDREW JACKSON. 

for the inferiority of his numbers and their want 
of discipline, he determined to forbear all further 
offensive efforts until he could more certainly dis- 
cover the views of the enemy, and until the Ken- 
tud<y troops, which had not yet arrived, should 
reach him. Pursuing this idea, at four o'clock in 
the mornincr havintj ordered Colonel Hinds to oc- 
copy the ground he was then abandoning, and to 
observe the enemy closely, he fell back, and formed 
his line behind a deep ditch, that stretched to the 
swamp at right angles from the river. There were 
two circumstances strongly recommending the im- 
portance of this place: — the swamp, which from 
the highlands at Baton Rouge skirts the river at ir- 
negular distances, and in many places is almost im- 
pervious, had hero approached within four hundred 
yards of the Mississippi, and hence, from the nar- 
rowness of the pass, wiis more easily to be defended; 
added to which, there was a deep canal, whence the 
dirt being thrown on the upper side, already formed 
a tolerable work of defence. Behind this his troops 
were formed, and proper measures adopted for in- 
creasing its strength, with a determination never to 
abandon it; but there to resist to the last, and vali- 
antly to defend those rights which were sought to 
be outraged and destroyed. 

123. Promptitude and decision, and activity in ex- 
ecution, constituted the leading traits of Jackson's 
character. No sooner had he resolved on the course 
which he thought necessary to be pursued, than with 
every possible despatch he hastened to its comple- 
tion. Before him was an army proud of its name, 
and distinguished for its deeds oi valour. Opposed 
to which was his own unbending spirit, and an in- 
ferior, undisciplined, and unarmed force. He con- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 117 

ceived, therefore, that his was a defensive policy, 
that by prudence and caution he would be able to 
preserve what offensive operation might have a ten- 
dency to endanger. Hence, with activity and in- 
dustry, based on a hope of ultimate success, he 
commenced his plan of defence, determining to forti- 
fy himself as effectually as the peril and pressure of 
the moment would permit. When to expect attack 
he could not tell; preparation and readiness to meet 
it was for him to determine on, all else was for the 
enemy. Promptly, therefore, he proceeded with 
his system of defence; and with such thoughtfulness 
and anxiety, that until the night of the 27th, when 
his line was completed, he never slept, or for a mo- 
ment closed his eyes. Resting his hope of safety 
here, he was everywhere, through the night, pre- 
sent, encouraging his troops, and hastening a com- 
pletion of the work. The concern and excitement 
produced by the mighty object before him were such 
as overcame the demand of nature, and for five days 
and four nights he was without sleep and constantly 
employed. His line of defence being completed on 
the night of the 27th, he, for the first time since the 
arrival of the enemy, retired to rest and repose. 

124. The soldier who has stood the shock of bat- 
tle, and knows what slight circumstances oftentimes 
produce decided advantages, will be able properly 
to appreciate the events of this night. Although 
the dreadful carnage of the 8th of January, hereaf- 
ter to be told, was in fact the finishing blow, that 
struck down the towering hopes of the invaders, and 
put an end to the contest, yet in the battle of the 
23d is there to be found abundant cause why suc- 
cess resulted to our arms, and safety was given to 
the country. The British had reached the Missis- 



118 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOIf. 

sippi without the fire of a gun, and encamped upon 
its banks as composedly as if they had been seated 
on their own soil, and at a distance from all danger. 
These were circumstances which awakencni a be-, 
lief that they expected little opposition, — were cer- 
tain of success, — and that the troops witli whom they 
were to contend would scarcely venture to resist 
them: resting thus confidently in the expectation of 
success, they would the next day have moved for- 
ward and succeeded in the accomplishn>ent of their 
designs. Jackson, convinced that an early impres- 
sion was essential to ultimate success, had resolved 
to assail them at the moment of their landing, and 
"attack them in their first position:" we have there- 
fore seen him, with a force inferior by one-half to 
that of the enemy, at an unexpected moment break 
into their camp, and with his undisciplined yeomanry 
drive before him the pride of England and the con- 
querors of Europe. It was an event that could not 
fail to destroy all previous theories, and establish a 
conclusion which our enemv had not before formed, 
that they were contending against valour inferior to 
none they had seen — before which their own bravery 
had not stodd, nor their skill availed them; it had 
the efiect of satisfying them, that the quantity and 
kind of troops it was in our power here to wield must 
be different from any thing that had been represent- 
ed to them; for much as they had heard of the cour- 
age of the man with whom they were contending, 
they could not suppose that a general, having a 
country to defend, and a reputation to preserve, 
would venture to attack on their own chosen ground 
a greatly superior army, and one which, by the nu- 
merous victories it had achieved, had already ac- 
quired a fame in arms; they were convinced that his 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 119 

force must greatly surpass what they had expected, 
and be composed of materials different from what 
they had imagined. 

125. The American troops which were actually 
engaged did not amount to two tliousand men they 
consisted of part of Coffee's brigade and Captain 
Beal's company, .... 648 

The 7th and 44th regiments, . - . 763 
Company of marines and artillery, - 82 

Pluuche's and Daquin's battalions, - - 488 

And the Mississippi dragroons under Colonel 

Hinds, not in the action, 186 



2167; 

which for more than an hour maintained a severe 
{ conflict with a force of four or five thousand, and 
' retired in safety from the ground, witii the loss of 
but twenty.fbur killed, and one hundred and fifteen 
wounded, and seventy-four made prisoners; while the 
killed, wounded, and prisoners of the enemy were 
not less than lour hundred. 

126. Our officers and soldiers executed every or- 
der with promptitude, and nobly sustained their coun. 
try's character. Lieutenant-colonel Lauderdale, of 
Coffee's brigade, an officer of great promise, and 
on whom every reliance was placed, fell at his post, 
and at his duty; lie had entered the service, and 
descended the river with the volunteers under Gen. 
eral Jackson, in the winter of 1812 — passed through 
all the hardships and difliculties of the Creek war, 
and had ever manifested a readiness to act when his 
country needed his services. Young, brave, and 
skilful, he had already afforded evidences of a ca- 
pacity which might, in future, have become useful; 
his exemplary conduct, both in civil and military 



120 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

life, had acquired for him a respect that rendered 
his fall a subject of general regret. Lieutenant 
M'Lelland, a valuable young officer of the 7th, was 
also among the number of the slain. 

127. Coffee's brigade, during the action, imitating 
the example of their commander, bravely contended, 
and ably supported the character they had previous- 
ly established. The unequal contest in which they 
were engaged never occurred to them; nor, for a 
moment, checked the rapidity of their advance. 
Had the British known that they were merely rifle- 
men, and without bayonets, a firm stand would have 
arrested their progress, and destruction or capture 
would have been the inevitable consequence; but 
this circumstance being unknown, every charge 
they made was crowned with success, producing 
discomfiture, and routing and driving superior num- 
bers before them. Officers, from the highest to in- 
ferior grades, discharged what had been expected 
of them. Ensign Leach, of the 7th regiment, being 
wounded through the body, still remained at his post 
and in the performance of his duty. Colonel Reu- 
ben Kemper, enterprising and self-collected, amid 
the confusion introduced on the left wing, found him- 
self at the head of a handful of men, detached from 
the main body, and in the midst of a party of the 
enemy: never did any man better exemplify the truth 
of the position, that discretion is sometimes the bet- 
ter part of valour: to attempt resistance was idle, 
and could only eventuate in destruction: with a mind 
unclouded by the peril that surrounded him, he 
sought and procured his safety through stratagem. 
Calling to a group of soldiers who were near, in a 
positive tone, he demanded ofthem where their regi- 
ment was: lost themselves, they were unable to an- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 121 

swur; but suj)[)Osini( liim one of their own officers, 
tficy assented to his orders, and followed him to liis 
own Hue, wliore they were made prisoners. 

128. Tiie 7th regiment, commanded by Major 
Piere, and the 44lli, under Major Baker,] aided by 
Major JiUtler, gallantly maintained the conflict — 
forced the enemy from every secure position he 
atteni[)ted to occupy, and drove him a mile from the 
first point of nttack. Confiding in themselves, and 
in their general, who was constantly with them, ex- 
posed to danger and in the midst of the fight, in- 
spiring by his ardour and encouraging by his exam- 
ple, they advanced to the conflict, nor evinced a dis- 
position to leave it until the prudence of their com- 
mander <lirected them to retire. 

121). 1^'roni the violence of the assault already 
made, the fears of the British had been greatly ex- 
cited; to keep their aj)prehensions alive was consid- 
ered important, with a view partially to destroy the 
overweening confidence with which they had arrived 
on our shores, and to compel them to act for a time 
upon the defensive. To cflect this, General Coffee, 
with his briiradc, was ordered d<iwn on the morninir 
of the 24th, to unite with Colonel Hinds, and make 
a show in the rear of Lacoste's plantation. The ene- 
my, not yet recovered of the j/anic produced by the 
assualt of the preceding evening, already believed 
it was in contemplation to urge another attack, and 
immediately formed themselves to repel it; but Cof- 
fce, having succeeded in recovering some of his 
horses, which were wandering along the margin of 
the swamp, and in regaining part of the clothing 
which his troops had lost the night before, returned 
11 



122 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

to the line, leaving them to conjecture the objects of 
his movement. 

130. The scanty supply of clothes and blankets 
that remained to the soldiers, from their long and 
exposed marches, had been left where they dis- 
mounted to meet the enemy. Their numbers were 
too limited, and the strength of their opponents too 
well ascertained, for any part of their force to re- 
main and take care of what was left behind: it was 
so essential to hasten on, reach their destination, 
and be ready to act when the signal from the Caro- 
line should announce their co-operation necessary, 
that no time wasalforded tiiem to secure their horses, 
— which were turned loose, and tlieir recovery trust- 
ed entirely to ciiance. Although many were re- 
gained, many were lost ; wliilc most of the men re- 
mained, with but a single suit, to encounter, in the 
open field, and in swamps covered with water, the 
hardships of a camp, and the severity of winter. It 
is a circumstance which entitles them to much cred- 
it, that under privations so severely oppressive, com- 
plaints or murmurs were never heard. This state 
of things fortunately was not of long continuance. — 
The storv of their suffering's and misfortunes was 
no sooner known, than the legislature appropriated 
a sum of money for tiieir relief, which was greatly 
increased by subscriptions in the city and neigh- 
bourhood. Materials being purchased, the ladies, 
with that Christian charity and warmth of heart 
characteristic of their sex, at once exerted 
themselves in removing their distresses; all their 
industry was called into action, and in a little 
time the suffering soldier was relieved. Such 
generous conduct, in extending assistance at a 
moment when it was so much needed, while it 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOJf 123 

conferred on those females tlie hii^liest Mionour, 
could not fail to nerve the arm of tlie brave with new 
zeal for the defence of their benefactresses. This? 
distinguished mark of their patriotism and benevo- 
lence is still remembered; and often as these valiant 
men are heard to recount the dangers they have 
passed and with peculiar pride to dwell on the min- 
gled honours and hardships of the campaign, they 
breathe a sentiment of gratitude to those who con- 
ferred upon them such distinguished marks of their 
kin(hie&s, and who, by timely interference, allevia- 
ted their misfortunes and their sullerings. 

131. To present a clieck, and keep up a show of 
resistance, detachments of liglit troops were occa- 
sionally kept in front of the line, assaihng and har- 
assing the enemy's advanced posts whenever an op- 
portunity was offered of acting to advantage. Every 
moment that could be gained, and every delay that 
could be extended to tlie enemy's attempts to reach 
the city, was of the utmost importance. The works 
were rapidly progressujg, and hourly increasing in 
strength. The militia of the state were every day 
arriving, and every day tlie prospect of successful 
opposition was brightening. 

132. The enemy still remained at his first encamp, 
ment. To be in readiness to repel an assault when 
attempted, the most active exertions were made on 
the 24th and 25th. The canal covering the front of 
our line was deepened and widened, and a strong 
mud wall formed of the earth that had been origin- 
ally thrown out. To prevent any approach until 
his system of defence should be in a state of greater 
forwardness, Jackson ordered the levee to be cut, 
about a hundred yards below the jK^int he had occu- 
pied. The river being very high, a broad stream of 



124 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

water passed rapidly throiif^hthe plain, of the depth 
of thirty or forty inches, which prevented any ap- 
poach of troops on foot. Embrasures were formed, 
and two pieces of artillery, under the command of 
Lieutenant »Spotts, early on the morninij of the 24th, 
were placed in a position to rake tlie road leading up 
the levee. 

138. He was under the constant apprehension 
lest, in spite of his exertions below, the city might, 
through some other route, be reached and destroyed; 
and those fears were increased this day by a report 
that a strong force had arrived — debarked at the 
head of Lake J^orgne, and compelled an abandon- 
ment of the defence at Ciief Menteur. This, how- 
ever, proved to be unfounded: the enemy had not 
appeared in that direction, nor had the officers to 
whom was intrusted the command of this fort, so 
much relied on, forgotten his duty or forsaken his 
post. Acting upon the statement that Major La- 
coste had retired from the fort, and fallen back on 
bayou St. John, and incensed that orders which 
from their importance should have been faithfully 
executed, had been thus lightly regarded, he has- 
tened to inform him what he had understood, and 
to forbid his leaving his position. "The battery I 
have placed under your command must be defended 
at all hazards. In you, and the volour of your 
troops, I repose every confidence; — let mc not be 
deceived. With us every thing goes on well; the 
enemy has not yet advanced. Our troops have 
covered themselves with glory: it is a noble exam- 
\i\c, and worthy to be followed by all. Maintain 
your post, nor ever think of retreating." To give 
additional strength to a place deemed so important, 
inspire confidence, and ensure safety, Colonel Dyer, 



LIFE OF ANDRE\t JACKSON. 125 

with two liundred men, was ordered there, to assist 
iii its defence, and act as videttes, in advance of the 
occupied points. 

J 34. General Morgan, who at the EngHsh turn 
commanded the fort on the east bank of the river, 
was instructed to proceed as near the enemy's camp 
as prudence and safety woulil permit, and by de- 
stroying the levee, to let in tlie waters of the Mis- 
sissippi between tiiem. The execution of this order 
and a similar one previously made below the line of 
defence, had entirely insulated the enemy, and i)re. 
vented his march against either j)lace. Un the 2Gth, 
however, tlie commanding general, fearing for the 
situation of Morgan, who from the lirilish occupy- 
ing the intermediate ground, was entirely detached 
from his camp, directed him to abandon his encamp- 
ment, carry off such of the cannon as might be 
wanted, and throw the remainder into the river, where 
they could be again recovered when the waters re- 
ceded; to retire to the other side of the river, and 
assume a position on the right bank, nearly opposite 
to his line, and iiave it fortified. This movement 
was imposed by the relative disposition of the two 
armies. Necessity, n<'t choice, made it essential 
lh;il St. Leon shouUi be abandoned. 

i35. From every inlelligence obtained through 
deserters and prisoners, it was evident that the 
liritish licet would make an efiort to ascend the 
river, and co-operate with the troops already land- 
ed. Lest this, or a diversion in a difterenl quar- 
ter, might be atten>plc<l, exertions were made to 
be able to resist at ail points, and to interpose 
such defences on the Mississippi as might assure 
protection. The forts on the river, well supported 
11* • 



1'26 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

with brave men and heavy pieces of artillery, might 
perhaps have the effect to deter their siiipping 
from venturing in that direction, and dispose them 
to seek some safer route, if any could be discov- 
ered. Pass Barrataria was best calculated for this 
purpose, and liere, in all probability, il was expect- 
ed the effort might be made. TIjc dithculty of as- 
cending the Mississippi, from the rapidity of the 
current, its winding course, and the amj)le protec- 
tion already given at forts St. Philip and Bourbon, 
were circumstances to which it was not to be in- 
ferred the British were strangers : nor was it to be 
expected that, with a knowledge of them, they 
would venture here the successol an enterprise on 
which so much depended. It was a more rational 
conjecture that they would seek a passage through 
Barrataria — proceed up on the right bank of the 
river, and gain a position whence, co-operating 
with the forces on the east side, they might drive 
our troops from the line they had formed, and, at 
less hazard, succeed in the accomplishment of 
their designs. Major Reynolds was accordingly 
ordered thither, with instructions to place the 
bayous emptying through this pass in the best pos- 
sible state of delence — to occupy and strengthen 
tbe island — to mount sufficient ordinance, and 
draw a chain with cannon-shot acros?, the more 
effectually to guard the route, and protect it from 
approach. Lafitte, who had been heretofore pro- 
mised pardon for the outrages committed against 
the laws of the United States, and who had already 
shown a lively zeal on behalf of his adopted coun- 
try, was also despatched with Reynolds. He was 
selected, because, from tlie proofs already given, 
no doubt was entertained of his fidelity, and be- 



LIFE OP ANDREW JACKSON. 127 

cause his knowledge of the topography and pre- 
cise situation of this section of the state was re- 
markably correct: it was the point where he had 
constantly rendezvoused, during the time of cruis- 
ing against the mercliant vessels of Spain, under a 
commission obtained at Carthagena, and where 
lie had become perfectly acquainted with every in- 
let and entrance to the gull' through which a pas- 
sage couhl be effected. 

130. With these arrangements — treason apart — 
all anxiously alive to the interest of ilie country, 
and disposed to protect it, there was little room to 
apprehend or fear disaster. To use the j^eneral's 
own expression on another occasion, "the surest 
defence, and one which seldom tailed of success, 
was a rampart of high-minded and brave men." — 
That there were some of this description wilh him, 
on whom he could safely rely in moments of ex- 
treme peril, he well knew; but that there were 
many stran(;ers to him, and to danger, and who had 
never been called to act in those situations where 
death, stalking in hideous round, appals and un- 
nerves even the most resolute, was ecpially cer- 
tain ; whether they would contend with manly 
firmness, support the cause in which they had em- 
barked, and realize his anxious wishes on the sub- 
ject, could be only known in the momentof con- 
llict and trial; when, if disappointed in his expec- 
tations, the means of retrieving the evil would be 
fled, and every thing lost in the result. 

137. As yet the enemy were uninformed of the 
position of Jackson. What was his situation — 
what was intended — whether otrensive or defen- 
sive operations would be pursued, were circum- 
stances on which they possessed no correct know- 



128 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



ledge, nor could it be obtained ; sf ill their exertions 
were unremitting to have all things i)repared, and 
in readiness lo urge tlieir de^-iuis whenever the 
moment for action should arrive. They had been 
conb^tanily engaged since their landing, in procur 
ing from their sliij)ping every thing necessary to 
ulterior operation. A complete command on the 
lakes, and possession of a point on the inargiU; 
presented an uninterrupted ingress and egress, and 
allorded the opportunity of conveying whatever 
was wanted in perfect safety to their camp. The 
height of the Mississippi, and the discharge of wa- 
ter through the openings made in the levee, had 
given an increased depth to tlie canal, from which 
they had first debarked — enabled them to advance 
their boats much fartlier in the direction of thoir 
encampment, and to bring up, with greater conve- 
nience, their artillery, bombs, and munitions. — 
Thus ennfajjed durinu the first three daysafier their 
arrival, early on the mornin;^ of the 27lh a battery 
was discovered on the bank of the river, which 
had been erected during the preceding night, and 
on which were mounted several j)ieces of heavy 
ordnarite : from this position a fire was oj)ened on 
the Caroline schooner, lying under the opposite 
shore. 

138 After the battle of the 23d, in which this 
vessel had so effectually aided, she had passed to 
the opposite side of the river, where she had since 
lain. Her services were too highly apj)reciated 
not to be again desired, should the enemy endeav- 
our to advance. Her present situation was con- 
sidered truly an unsafe one, but it had been essay- 
ed in vain to advance her higher up the stream — 
no favourable breeze had yet arisen to aid her in 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. l29 

Stemming the current; and towing, and other re- 
medies, had been already resorted to, but without 
success. Her safety might have been ensured by 
floating her down the river, and placing her under 
cover of the guns of the fort ; but it was preferred, 
as a matter of policy, to risk her where she was, 
still hourly calculating that a favourable wind 
might relieve her, rather than, by dropping her 
with the current, lose those benefits which, against 
an advance of the enemy, it might be in her power 
so completely to extend. Commodore Patterson 
had left her on the -^Otli, by the orders of the com- 
manding general, when Captain Henly made a 
further but ineffectual elfort to force lier up the 
current, near to the line, for the double purpose of 
its defence and for her own safety. 

139. Tliese attempts to remove her being dis- 
covered ;it daylight on the morning of the ^27th, a 
battery, mounting five guns, opetied upon her, dis- 
charginc; bombs and red-hot shot ; it was spiritedly 
answered, but without affecting the battery; tiiere 
bein<'- but a lonu twelve-pounder that could reach. 
The second fire had lodired a hot shot in the hold, 
directly under her cables, whence it could not be 
removed, and where it immediately communicated 
fire to the schooner. The shot from the battery 
were constantly taking efiect, firing her in difler- 
ent places, and otherwise producing material inju- 
ry ; while the blaze already kindled under her ca- 
t)les was rapidly extending its ravages. A well- 
grounded appiehension of her commander, that 
she could be no longer defended, — the flames 
bursting forth in different parts, atid fast increasing 
— induced a fear lest the magazine should be soon 
reached, and every thing destroyed. One of his 



130 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



crew being killed, and six wounded, and liot a 
glimmering of hope entertained that she could be 
preserved, orders were given to abandon her. — 
The crew reached the shore in safety, and in a 
short time afterward she blew up. 

110. Although thus unexpectedly deprived of 
so material a dependence for successful defence, 
an opportunity was soon presented of using her 
brave crew to advantage. Gathering confidence 
from what had been just effected, the enemy left 
their encampment, and moved in the direction of 
our line. Their numbers had been increased, and 
Major-general Sir Edward Packenham now com- 
manded in person. Early on the 28th, his co- 
lumns commenced their advance to storm our 
works. At the distance of half a mile, their heavy 
artillery opened, and ([uantities of bombs, balls, 
and congreve rockets were discharged. It was a 
scene of terror and alarm, which they had probably 
calculated would excite a panic in the minds of 
the raw troops of our army, and compel them to 
surrender at discretion, or abandon their strong- 
liold. But our soldiers had afforded abundant 
proof, that, whether disciplined or not, they well 
knew how to defend the honour and interests of 
their country ; and had sufficient valour not to be 
alarmed at the reality — still less the semblance of 
danger. Far from exciting their apprehensions, 
and drivinof them from their around, tiieir firmness 
still remained unclianged ; still was manifested a 
determination not to tarnish a reputation they had 
hardly earned ; and which had become too dear, 
from the difficulties and dangers they had passed 
to acquire it, for it now tamely to be surrendered. 
Their congreve rockets, though a kind of instru- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. l31 

uieui ot'destruction to vvliich our troops, unskilled 
ill itie science of desolating warfare, had been 
hitlierto strangers, excited no other feeling than 
that which novelty inspires. At the moment, 
therefore, that the British, in different columns, 
wore moving up, in all the pomp and parade of 
battle, preceded by these insignia of terror more 
than danger, and were expecting to behold their 
"Yankee foes" tremblingly retire and flee before 
them, our batteries opened, and halted their ad- 
vance. 

141. In addition to the two pieces of cannon 
mounted on our works on the '^4lh, three others, 
of heavy caliber, obtained from the navy depart- 
ment, had been formed alonj^ the line ; these open- 
ing on the enemy, checked their progress, and 
disclosed to them the hazard of the project they 
were on. Lieutenants Crawley and Norris volun- 
teered, and with the crew of the Caroline render- 
ed important services, and maintained at the guns 
they commanded that firmness and decision for 
which on previous occasions they had been so 
highly distinguished. They had been selected by 
the j;eneral because of their superior knowledge in 
gunnery ; and on this occasion gave a lurlher evi- 
dence of their skill and judgment, and of a dispo- 
sition to act in any situation where they could be 
serviceable. The line, which, from the labours 
bestowed on it, was daily strengthening, was not 
yet in a situation effectually to resist; this defici- 
ency, however, was well remedied by the brave 
men who were formed in its rear. 

142. From the river the greatest injury was ef- 
fected. Lieutenant Thompson, who commanded 
the Louisiana sloop, which lay nearly opposite the 



132 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON* 

line of detence, no sooner discovered the columns 
approaching than, warping her around, he brought 
her starboard guns to bear, and produced such an 
effect as forced them to retreat : but, from their 
heavy artillery, the enemy maintained the contlict 
with great spirit, constantly discharging their bombs 
and rockets for seven hours, when, unable to make 
a breach, or silence the fire from the sloop, they 
abandoned a contest where few advanta2:cs seemed 
to be presented. The crew of this vessel was com- 
posed of new recruits, and of discordant materials, 
— of soldiers, citizens, and seamen; yet, by the ac- 
tivity of their commander, they were so well per- 
fected in their duty, that they already managed 
their guns with the greatest i)reciyion and certainty 
of effect; and, by three o'clock in the evening, with 
the aid of the land batteries, had completely si- 
lenced and driven back the enemy. Emboldened 
by the effect produced the day before on the Caro- 
line, the furnaces of the enemy were put hi opera- 
tion, and numbers of hot shot thrown from a heavy 
piece which was placed behind and protected by 
the levee. An attempt was now made to carry it 
off, when that protection heretofore had being taken 
away, those in the direction of it were fairly ex- 
posed to our fire, and suffered greatly. In their 
endeavours to remove it, "1 saw," says Commo- 
dore Patterson, "distinctly, with the aid of a glass, 
several balls strike in the midst of the men who 
were employed in dragging it away." In this en- 
gagement, commenced and waged for seven hours, 
we received little or no injury. The Louisiana 
sloop, against which the most violent exertions 
were made, had but a single man wounded, by the 
fragments of a shell which burst over her deck. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON'. 133 

Our entire loss flid not exceed nine killed, and 
ciirht or ten noundcd. The enemv, beini? more ex- 
posed, actin<? in the open field, and in range ot our 
guns, suffered, from information afterward pro- 
cured, considerable injury; at least one hundred 
and twenty were killed and wounded. 

143. Among the killed on our side was Colonel 
James Henderson, of the Tennessee mihtia. An 
advance party of the British had, during the action, 
taken post behind a fence tlint ran obliquely to, and 
not very remote from our line. Henderson, with a 
detachment of two hundred men, who was sent out 
by General Carroll to drive tiicni from a pasition 
whence they were eflecting some injury, and greatly 
annoying our troops. Had he advanced in the man- 
ner directed, he would have been less exposed, and 
enabled more effectually to have secured the object 
intended; but, misunderstanding the order, he i)ro- 
ceeded in a diflerent route, and fell a victim to his 
error. Instead of marching in the direction of the 
wood, and turning the enemy, which might have cut 
olf their retreat, he proceeded in front, towards the 
river, leaving them in rear of the fence, and himself 
and his detachment open and exposed. His mis- 
take being perceived from the line, he was called by 
the adjutant-general, and directed to return; but the 
noise of the waters, throus^h which thev were wad- 
ing, prevented any communication. Having reached 
a knoll ofdry ground, he formed, and attempted the 
execution of his order; but soon fell by a wound in 
the head. Deprived of their commander, and per- 
ceiving their situation hazardous and untenable, the 
detachment retreated to the line, with tiie loss of 
their colonel and five men. 
12 



134 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

144. While this advance was made, a column of 
tlie enemy was threatening an attack on our extreme 
left; to frustrate the attempt, Coffee was ordered 
with his riflemen to hasten through the woods, and 
check their approach. The enemy, although greatly 
superior to him in numbers, no sooner discovered 
his movement than they retired, and abandoned the 
attack they had previously meditated. 

145. A supposed disaffection in New-Orleans, and 
an enemy in front, were circumstances well calcu- 
lated to excite unpleasant forebodings. General 
Jackson believed it necessary and essential to his se- 
curity, while contending with avowed foes, not to be 
wholly inattentive to dangers lurking at home; but, 
by guarding vigilantly, to be able to suppress any 
treasonable purpose- the moment it should be devel- 
oped, and, before it should have time to mature. 
Previously, therefore, to departing from the city, on 
the evening of the 23rd, he had ordered Major But- 
ler, his aid, to remain with the guards, and be vigi- 
lant that nothing transpired in his absence calculated 
to operate injuriously. His fears that there were 
many of the inhabitants who felt no attachment to 
the government, and would not scruple to surrender 
whenever, prompted by their interest, it should 
become necessary, has been already noticed. In 
this belief, subsequent circumstances evinced there 
was no mistake, and showed that to his assiduity 
and energy is to be ascribed that the country was 
protected and saved. It is a fact, which was dis- 
closed on making an exchange of prisoners, that, 
despite of all the efforts made to prevent it, the 
enemy were daily and constantly apprized of every 
thing that transpired in our camp. Every arrange- 
ment, and every change of position, was immedi- 



LIFB OF ANDHEW JACKSOIt. 135 

ately communicated. On the day subsequent to a 
contest on the lakes, on the 14th December, Mr. 
Shields, purser in the navy, had been despatched 
witli a flaf^, to Cat isUind, accompanied by Dr. Mur- 
rell, for tiie purpose of alleviating the situation of 
our wounded, and to etfect a negotiation, by which 
they should be liberated on parole. We are not 
aware that such an ap|)lication militated against the 
usages and customs of war: if not, the flag of truce 
should have been respected; nor ougiit its bearer to 
have been detained as a prisoner. Admiral Coch. 
rane's pretended fear that it was a wile, designed to 
ascertain his strength and situation, is far from pre- 
senting any sulhcient excuse for so wanton an out- 
rage on propriety and the rules of war. If this 
were apprehended, could not the messengers have 
been met at a distance from the fleet, and ordered 
back witiiout a near approach? Had this been done, 
no information could have been gained, and the 
object designed to be secured by the detention 
would have been answered, without infringmg that 
amicable intercourse between contending armies, 
which, when violated or disregarded, opens a door 
to brutal and savage warfare. Finding they did 
not return, the cause of it was at once correctly 
divined. 

146. The British admiral was very solicitous, and 
resorted to various means, to obtain iVom these gen- 
tlemen information of the strength and condition 
and disposition of our army; but so cautiaus a re- 
serve was maintained, that from them nothing could 
be elicited. Shields was perceived to be quite deaf, 
and calculating on some advantage to be derived 
from this circumstance, he and the doctor were 
l)laced at night in the green-room, where any con- 



\ 



136 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

versatlon wliich occurred between them could 
readily be heard. Suspecting, perhaps, something 
of the kind, after bavins^ retired, and every thins; 
was seemingly still, they began to speak of their 
situation — the circumstance of their being detained, 
and of the prudent caution with which they had 
guarded themselves against communicating any in- 
formation to the British admiral. But continued 
Shields, how greatly these gentlemen will be disap- 
pointed in their expectations, for Jackson, with the 
twenty thousand troops he now has, and the rein- 
forcements from Kentucky, which must speedily 
reach him, will be able to destroy any force that can 
be landed from these sliips. Every word was heard 
and treasured, and not supposing there was any 
design, or that he presumed himself overhead, they 
were beguiled by it, and at once concluded our 
force to be as great as it was represented; and 
hence, no doubt, arose the reason of that prudent 
care and caution with which the enemy afterward pro- 
ceeded; for "notliing," j'emarked a British officer, 
at the close of the invasion, "was kept a secret 
from us, except your numbers; this, although dili- 
gently sought after, could never be procured." 

147. Between the 23d, and the attack on the 
28th, to carry our line. Major Butler, who still re- 
mained at his post in the city, was applied to by Ful- 
war Skipwith, at that time speaker of the senate, to 
ascertain the commanding general's views provided 
he should be driven from his line of encampment, and 
compelled to retreat through the city; would he in 
that event destroy it'' It was, indeed, a curious in- 
quiry from one who, having spent his life in serving 
his country in different capacities, might better have 
understood the duty of a subordinate officer; and 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. l37 

that even if, from Ills situation, Major Butler had so 
far acquired tlic confidence of his general as to have 
become acquainted with his views and designs, lie 
was not at liberty to divulge them, without destroy- 
ing confidence and acting criminally. On asking 
the cause of the inquiry, Mr. Skipwith replied, it 
was rumoured, and so understood, that if driven from 
his jjosition, and made to retreat upon the city, Ge- 
neral Jackson had it in contemplation to lay it in 
ruins; the legislature, he said, desired information on 
this subject, that if such were his intentions, they 
might, by olfering terms of capitulation to the enemy, 
avert so serious a calamity. That a sentiment hav- 
ing for its object a surrender of tiie city should be 
entertained by this body was scarcely credible; yet 
a ihw days brought the certainty of it more fully to 
view, and showed that they were already devising 
plans to ensure the safety of themselves and proper- 
ty, even at any sacrifice. While the general was 
hastening along the line, from ordering Coffee, as 
we have just observed, against a column of the Brit- 
ish on the extreme left, he was hailed by Mr. Dun- 
can, one of his volunteer aids, and informed that al- 
ready it was agitated, secretly, by the members of 
the legislature, to offer terms of caj)itulation to the 
enemy, and proffer a surrender, and that Governor 
Claiborne awaited his orders on the subject. Poised 
as was the result, the safety or full of the city rest- 
ing in uncertainty, although it was plainly to be per- 
ceived, that, with a strong army before them, no 
such resolution could be carried into effect, yet it 
might be productive of evil, and in the end bring 
about the most fatal consequences. Even the dis- 
closure of such a wish on the part of the legislature 
12* 



138 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

might create parties, excite opposition in the army, 
and inspire the enemy with renewed confidence. 
The Tennessee forces, and Mississippi volunteers, it 
was not feared would be effected by the measure, 
but it might detacli the Louisiana militia, and even 
extend itself to the ranks of the regular troops. 
Jackson was greatly incensed, that those whose safe- 
ty he had so much at heart, should be seeking, under 
the authority of office, to mar his best exertions. 
He was, however, too warmly pressed at the mo- 
ment, for the battle was raging, to give it the atten- 
tion its importance merited; but, availing himself of 
the first respite from the violence of the attack 
waged against him, he apprized Governor Claiborne 
of what he had heard; — ordered him closely to 
watch the conduct of the legislature, and the moment 
a project of oifering a capitulation to the enemy 
should be fully disclosed, to place a guard at the 
door and confine them to their chamber. The go- 
vernor, in his zeal to execute the command, and from 
a fear of the consequences involved on such conduct, 
construed as imperative an order which was merely 
contingent; and placing an armed force at the door 
of the capitol, prevented the members from conven- 
ing, and their schemes from maturing, 

148. The purport of this order was essentially 
misconceived by the governor; or, perhaps, with a 
view to avoid subsequent inconveniences and com- 
plaints, was designedly mistaken. Jackson's object 
was not to restrain the legislature in the discharge 
of their official duties; for although he thought that 
such a moment, when the sound of the cannon was 
constantly pealing in their ears, was inauspicious to 
wholesome legislation, and that it would have better 
comported with the state of the times for them to 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 139 

abandon their civil duties and appear in the field, 
yet was it a matter indehcate to be proposed: and 
it was hence preferred, that they should adopt what- 
ever course miglit be suggested by tlieir own notions 
of propriety. Tliis sentiment would have been still 
adhered to; but when through the communication of 
Mr. Duncan they were represented as entertaining 
opinions and schemes adverse to the general interest 
and safety of the countiy, the necessity of a new and 
different course of conduct was at once obvious. 
But he did not order Governor Claiborne to interfere 
with or prevent them from proceeding with their du- 
ties; on the contrary, he was instructed, as soon as 
any thing hostile to the general cause should be as- 
certained, to place a guard at the door, and keep 
the members to their post and to their duty. My 
object in this, remarked the general, was, tiiat then 
they would be able to proceed with their business 
without producing the slightest injury: whatever 
schemes they might entertain would have remained 
with themselves, without the power of circulating 
them to the prejudice of any other interest than their 
own. I had intended to have had them well treated 
and kindly dealt by; and thus abstracted from every 
thing passing without doors, a better opportunity 
would have been afforded them to enact good and 
wholesome laws; but Governor Claiborne mistook 
my order, and instead of sliutting them in doors, 
contrary to my wishes and expectation, turned them 
out. 

149. Before this he had been called on by a spe- 
cial committee of the lesrislature to know what his 
course would be should necessity compel him from 
his position. "If," replied the general, "I thougiit 
the hair of my head could divine what I should do 



I'lO LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

fortliwith, I would cut it off: go back with this an- 
swer; say to your honourable^ body, that if disaster 
does overtake me, and the /ate of war drives me 
from my line to the city, tiiey may expect to have 
a very warm session. — ''And what did you design to 
do," 1 inquired, "provided you had been forced to 
retreat?" — "1 should," he replied, "have retreated 
to the city, fired it, and fought the enemy amid the 
surrounding flames. There were with me men of 
wealth, owners of considerable property, wlio, in 
such an event, would have been among the foremost 
to have applied the torch to their own buildings; and 
what tiiey had left undone I should have completed, 
Nothing for the comfortable maintenance of the ene« 
my would have been left in the rear. I would havo 
destroyed New-Orleans — occupied a position abovo 
on the river — cut off all supj>]ics, and in this way 
compelled them to depart from the country." 

150. We shall not pretend to ascribe tiiis conduct 
of the legislature to disafTcction, or to treasonable 
motives. The impulse that produced it was, no 
doubt, interest — a principle of the human mind which 
strongly sways, and often destroys its best conclu- 
sions. The disparity of the two armies, in numbers, 
preparation, and discipline, had excited apprehension, 
and destroyed hope. If Jackson were driven back, 
and little else was looked for, rumour fixed his deter- 
mination of devoting the city to destruction: but even 
if such were not his intention, the wrath and ven- 
geance of the enemy might be fairly calculated to 
be in proportion to tlie opposition they should receive. 
Although these considerations may somewhat palli- 
ate, they do not justify. The government was re- 
presented in the person of the commanding general, 
on whom rested all responsibility, and whose voice 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 141 

on the subject of resistance or capitulation should 
alone have been heard. In the field were persons 
who were enduring hardships and straining every 
nerve for the irencral safety. A few of the members 
of their own body, too, were there, who did not des- 
})ond. Miglit not patriotism, then, have admonished 
tiicso men, honoured as they were with the confi- 
dence of tiie people rather to have pursued a course 
having for its object to keep alive excitement, than 
to have endeavoured to introduce fear and paralyze 
exertion? Sucli conduct, if produc*tive of nothing 
worse, was well calculated to excite alarm. If the 
militia, who had been hastily drawn to the camp, 
and who were yet trembling lor the safety of their 
families, had been told that a few private men of 
standing in society had expressed their opinions, and 
declared resistance useless, it would without doubt 
have occasioned serious apprehensions; but in a 
much greater degree would they be calculated to 
arise, wiien told that the members of the legislature, 
chosen to preside over the safety and destinies of the 
state, after due deliberation, had pronounced all at- 
tempts at successfid opposition vain and incfiectual. 

151. Here was an additional reason why expe- 
dients should be devised, and every precaution 
adopted, to prevent any communicalion by which 
the sli'rjitest inlellifrence should be had of our sit- 
nation, already indeed sufficiently deplorable. Ad- 
ditional nruards were posted along the swamp, on 
both sides of the Mississippi, to arrest all inter- 
course; while on the river, the common highway, 
watch boats were constantly plying duiing the 
night, in different directions, so that a log could 
scarcely float down the stream unperceived. Two 
flat-bottomed boats, on a dark night, were turned 



142 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 



adrift above, to ascertain if vigilance wnre pre- 
served, and whether there would he any possibil- 
ity of escapini: tiie guards and passing in safety 
to the British linos. The lijlit boais discovered 
them on their passage, and on the alarm beino- 
given, they were opened upon by the Louisiana 
sloop, and the batteries on the shore, and in a 
few minutes were sunk. In spite, however, of 
every precaution, treason still discovered avenues 
through which to project and execute her nefari- 
ous plans, and through them was constantly af- 
forded ii]formation to the enemy; carried to them, 
no doubt, by adventurous friends, who sought and 
effected their nightly passage through the dcep- 
fist parts of the swamp, where it was impossible 
for sentinels to be stationed.* 

152. Great inconvenience was sustained for the 
want of arms, and much anxiety felt, lest the ene- 
my, through their faithful adherents, might, on this 
subject, also obtain information; to prevent it as 
far as possible. General Jackson endeavoured to 
conceal the strength and situation of his arnjy, by 
suffering his reports to be seen by none but him- 



* Letter from Charles K. Blanchard to General Jackson, 

New-Orleans, March 20, 18.'34' 

Sir, — 1 have the honour, agreeably to your rKjuest, to state to your excel- 
lency, iu writing, the substance of a convertalion that occurred between 
Quarter-master Peddie, of the British army, and myself, on the 11th inst., 
on board his Britannic Majesty's ship Herald. Quarter master Peddie ob- 
served, that the commanding offcers of the British forces were daily in the 
receipt of every information from the city of Nevv-Orieans wliich tliey might 
require, in aid of their operations, for the completion of the objects of the 
expedition; that they were perfectly acquainted wilh the situation of every 
part of our forces, the manner in which the same was situated, the number 
of our fortifications, their strength, position, &c. As to the battery on the 
left bank of the Mississippi, he described its situation, its distance Irom the 
main post, and promptly offered me a plan of the works. He furthermore 
stated, that the above information was received from seven or eight persons, 
in the city of New-Orleans, from whom he could, at any hour, procure 
every information necessary to promote his majesty's interest. 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 143 

self and the adjutant-general. Many of the troops 
in the field were supplied with common guns, 
which were of little service. Tlie Kentucky 
troops, daily expected, were also understood to 
be badly provided with arms. Uncertain but that 
the city might yet contain many articles that 
would be serviceable, orders were issued to the 
mayor of New-Orleans, directing him diligently 
to inquire through every store and house, and take 
])Ossession of all the n)uskets, bayonets, spaile?, 
and axes he could find. Understanding too there 
were many young men who, from ditferent pre- 
texts, had not appeared in the field, he was in- 
structed to obtain a register of every man in the 
city under the age of fifty, that measures might be 
concerted for drawinrr forth those who had Ijither- 
to appeared backward in engaging in the pending 
contest. 

153. Frequent light skirmishes by advanced par- 
ties, without material effect on either side, were the 
only incidents that took place for several days. 
Colonel Hinds, at the head of the Mississippi dra- 
goons, on the 30th December, was ordered to dis- 
lodge a party of the enemy who, under cover of a 
ditch that ran across the plain, were annoying our 
fatigue parties. In his advance, he was unexpected- 
ly thrown into ambuscade, and became exposed to 
the fire of a line which had hitherto lain concealed 
and unobserved. His collected conduct and gallant 
deportment gained him and his corps the approba- 
tion of the commanding general, and extricated him 
from the danger in which he was placed. The ene- 
my, forced from their position, retired, and he return- 
ed to the line with the loss of five of his men. 

154. The British were encamped two miles below 



114 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the American army, on a perfect plain, and in full 
view. Althougli foiled in their attempt to carry our 
works by the force of their batteries on the 28th, 
they yet resolved upon another attack, and one 
which they believed would be more successful. Pre- 
suming their I'ailure to have arisen from not having 
sufficiently strong batteries and heavy ordnance, a 
more enlarged arrangement was resorted to, with a 
confidence of silencing opposition, and effecting such 
breaches in our intrenchment as would enable their 
columns to pass, without being exposed to any con- 
siderable hazard. Tlie interim between the 28th of 
December and 1st January w^is acccordingly spent 
in preparing to execute their designs. Their boats 
had been despatched to the shipping, and an addtion- 
&1 supply of heavy cannon landed through Bayou 
Bienvenu, whence they had first debarked. 

155. Durincr the niijht of the 3ist December 
they were busily engaged. An impenetrable fog 
next morning, which was not dispelled until nine 
o'clock, by concealing their purpose, aided them 
in the plans they were projecting, and gave lime 
for the completion of their works. This having 
disappeared, several heavy batteries at llie dis- 
tance of six hundred yards, mounting eigliteen 
and twenty-four pound carronades, were present- 
ed to view. No sooner was it sufficiently clear 
to distinguish objects at a distance, ti)an these 
were 0j)ened, and a trcnienduous hurst of artillery 
commenced, accompanied with congreve rockets, 
that fillled t)ie air in all directions. Our troops, 
protected by a defence, which from their constant 
labours and exertions they believed to he impreg- 
nable, unmoved and undisturbed, maintained their 
ground, and by their skilful management, in the 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 145 



end succeeded in dismountinsf and silencincr the 
guns of the enemy. The British, through the 
friendly interference of some disaffected citizens, 
havinj; been apprized of the situation of the ge- 
neral's quarters, that he dwelt in a house at a 
small distance in the rear of his line of defence, 
against it directed their first and principal efforts, 
with a view to destroy the commander. So great 
was the number of balls thrown, that in a little 
while its porticos were beaten down, and the 
building made a complete wreck. In this disho- 
nourable design they were, however, disappoint- 
ed; for with Jackson it was a constant })ructice, 
on the first appearance of danger, not to wait in 
his quarters watching events, but instantly to pro- 
ceed to the line, and be ready to form his ar- 
rangements as circumstances might re(}uire. Con- 
stantly in expectation of a charge, he was never 
absent from the post of danger; and thither he had 
this morning repaired, at the first sound of the 
cannon, to aid in defence, and inspiie his troops 
with firmness. Our (juris aloriij the line now 
opened to repel the assault, and a constant roar of 
cannon, on both sides, continued until nearly 
noon; when, by the superior skill of our engi- 
neers, the two batteries formed on the right, 
next the woods, were nearly beaten down, and 
many of the guns dismounted, broken, and ren- 
dered useless. That next the river still continued 
its fire until three o'clock; when, perceiving all 
attempts to force a breach ineffectual, the enemy 
gave up the contest and retired. Every act of 
theirs discovers a strange delusion, and unfolds 
on what wild and fanciful grounds all their ex- 
13 



146 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

peclalions were founded. That the American " 
troops were well posted, and sironcjly defended i 
by pieces of heavy ordnance, mounted along the j 
line, was a fact well known; yet a belief was con- ' 
fidenfly indulged that the undisciplined collec- i 
tion which constituted the strength of our army, ; 
would be able to derive little benefit from such a ' 
circumstance; and that artillery could produce 
but slight advantages in the hands of persons who 
were sirany-ers to the manner of usinjr it. That ■ 
many who, from necessity, were called to the 
direction of the guns, were at first entirely un- 
acquainted with their management, is indeed 
true; yet the accuracy and precision with which 
they threw their shot afforded a convincing argu- 
ment either that they possessed the capacity of 
becoming in a short time well acquainted with 
the art of gunnery, or that it was a science the 
acquiring of which was not attended with incal- 
culable difficulties. 

lof). That they would be able to effect an open- 
ing, and march through the strong defence in 
their front, was an idea so fondly cherished by 
our assailants, that an apprehension of failure had 
scarcely ever occurred. 80 sanguine were they 
in this belief, that earl/ in the morning their sol- 
diers were arran<jed aloni:^ the ditches, in rear of 
their batteries, prepared and ready to advance to 
the charc^c the moment a breach could be made. 
Here, by their situation, protected from danger, 
they remained, waiting the result that should call 
them to act. But their efforts not having produc- 
ed the slightest impression, nor their rockets the 
effect of driving our militia away, they abandoned 
the contest, and retired to their camp, leaving f; 



LIFE or ANDREW JACKSON. 147 

their batteries materially injured — nay, well-nigh 
destroyed. 

157. Perceiving tlieir attempts must fail, and 
that such an efifect could not be produced as would 
warrant their advance, another expedient was re- 
sorted to, but with no better success. It occur- 
red to the British commander that an attack might 
be made to advantage next the woods, and a 
force was accordingly ordered to penetrate in this 
direction, and turn the left of our line, which 
was supposed not to extend farther than to the 
margin of the swamp. In this way it was ex- 
pected a diversion could be made, while the re- 
serve columns, being in readmcss and wailing^, 
were to press forward the moment this object could 
be effected. Here, too, disappointment resulted. 
Coffee's briorade, beinfj already extended into the 
swamp, as far as it was possible for an advancing 
party to penetrate, brought unexpected dangers in- 
to view, and occasioned an abandonment of the pro- 
ject. That to turn the extreme left of the line was 
practicable, and might be attempted, was the sub- 
ject of early consideration, and necessary pre- 
caution had been taken to prevent it. Although 
cutting the levee had raised the waters in the swamp, 
and increased the difficulties of keeping troops there, 
yet a fear lest this pass might be sought by the 
enemy, and the rear of the line taereby gained, had 
determined the general to extend his defence even 
here. This had been intrusted to General Coffee; 
and surely a more arduous duty can scarcely be 
imagined. To form a breastwork in such a place 
was attended with many difiiculties and considera- 
ble exposure. A slight defence, however, had been 
thrown up, and the underwood, for thirty or forty 



148 LIFE OP ANDREW JACKSON. 

yards in front, cut down, that the riflemen stationed 
for its protection might have a complete view of any 
force which through this route migiit attempt a pas. 
sage. When it is recollected that this position was 
to be maintained night and day, uncertain of the 
moment of attack, and that the only opportunity af- 
forded our troops for rest was on logs and brush 
thrown together, by which they were raised above 
the surrounding water, it may be truly said, that 
seldom has it fallen to the lot of any to encounter 
greater hardships: but accustomed to privation, and 
alive to those feelings whicha love of country in- 
spires, they obeyed without complaining, and cheer- 
fully kept their position until all danger had subsided. 
Sensible of the importance of the point they defend- 
ed, and that it was necessary to be maintained, be 
the sacrifice what it might, they looked to nothing 
but a zealous and faithful discharge of the trust con- 
fided to them. 

158. Our loss in this affair was eleven killed and 
twenty-three wounded; that of the enemy was never 
correctly known. The only certain information is 
contained in a communication of the 28th January, 
from General Lambert to Earl Bathurst, in which 
the casualties and losses, from the 1st to the 5th, 
are stated at seventy-eight. Many allowances, 
however, are to be made for this report. It was 
written at a time when, from the numerous disas- 
ters encountered, it was not to be presumed the 
general's mind was in a situation patiently to re- 
member or minutely detail the facts. From the 
great precision of our fire, and the injury visibly 
sustained by their batteries, their loss was no 
doubt considerable. The enemy's heavy shot 
having penetrated our intrenchment in many 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 149 

places, it was discovered not to be as strong as 
had at first been imagined. Fatigue parties were 
again employed, and its strength daily increased: 
an additional number of bales of cotton were taken 
to be applied to strengthening and defending the 
embrasures along the line. A Frenchman, wiiose 
property had been thus, without his consent, seiz- 
ed, fearful of the injury it might sustain, proceed- 
ed in person to General Jackson to reclaim it, and 
to demand its delivery. The general, having heard 
his complaint, and ascertained from him thathe was 
unemployed in any military service, directed a 
musket to be brought to him, and placinir it in his 
hand, ordered him on the line, remarking, at the 
same time, that as he seemed to be a nian pos- 
sessed of property, he knew of none who had a 
better right to fifjht and to defend it. 

159. The British had afjain retired to their en- 
campment. It was well understood by Jackson 
that they were in daily expectation of considera- 
ble reinforcements; though he rested with confi- 
dence in the belief that a few more days would also 
bring to his assistance the troops from Kentucky. 
Each party, therefore, was busily and constantly en- 
gaged in preparation, the one to wage a vigorous 
attack, the other bravely to defend, and resolutely 
to oppose it. 

160. The position of the American army was in 
the rear of an intrenchment formed of earth, and 
which extended in a straiirht line from the river to 
a considerable distance in the swamp. In front 
was a deep ditch, which had been formerly used 
as a mill-race. The Mississippi had receded and 
left this dry next the river, though in many places 

13* 



150 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the water, still remained. Along the line, and at un- 
equal distances, to the centre of General Carroll's 
command, were guns mounted, of different caliber, 
from six to thirty-two pounders. JVear the river, 
and in advance of the intrenciiment, was erected 
a redoubt, with embrasures, commanding the road 
along the levee, and calculated to rake the ditch 
in front. 

IGl. We have heretofore stated, that General 
Morgan was ordered, on the 24th of December, to 
cross to the west bank of the Mississippi, From 
an apprehension entertained that an attempt might 
be made through Barataria, and the city reached 
from the right bank of the river, the general had ex- 
tended his defence there likewise: in fact, unac- 
quainted with the enemy's views, — not knowing the 
number of their troops, nor but that they might have 
sufficient strength to wage an attack in various di- 
rections, and anxiously solicitous to be pre})arcd at 
all points, he had carefully divided out his forces, 
that ho might guard and be able to protect, in what- 
ever direction an assault should be waged. His 
greatest fears, and hence his strongest defence next 
to the one occupied by himself, was on the Chef 
Menteur road, where Governor Claiborne, at the 
head of the Lousiana militia, was posted. The posi- 
tion on the right was formed on the same plan with 
the line on the left, — lower down than that on the 
left, and extending to the swamp at right angles to 
the river. Here General Morgan commanded. 

162. To be prepared against every possible con- 
tingency that might arise, Jackson had established 
another line of defence, about two miles in the rear 
of the one at present occupied, which was intended 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 151 

as a rallying-point if he should be driven from his 
first position. With the aid of his cavalry, to give 
a momentary check to the advance of the enemy, 
lie expected to be enabled, with inconsiderable inju- 
ry, to reach it; where he would again have advan- 
tages on his side, be in a situation to dispute a fur- 
ther passage to tlic city, and arrest their progress. 
To inspirit his own soldiers, and to exhibit to the 
enemy as great a show as jtossible of strength and 
intended resistance, his unarmed troops, which con- 
stituted no very inconsiderable number, were here 
stationed. All intercourse between the lines, except 
by confidential officers, was prohibited, and every 
precaution and vigilance employed not only to keep 
this want of preparation concealed from tiie enemy, 
but even from beini^ known on his own lines. 

lO.S. Occasional firing at a distance, which pro- 
duced nothing of consequence, was all that marked 
the interim from the 1st to the 8th of January. 

I<34. On the 4th of this month, the long-expected 
rcinfjrcement from Kentucky, amounting to twenty- 
two hundred and fifty, under the command of Ma- 
jor-general Thomas, arrived at head-quarters; but 
so ill provided with arms as to be incapable of ren- 
dering any considerable service. The alacrity with 
which the citizens of this state had proceeded to the 
frontiers, and aided in the north-western campaigns, 
added to the disasters which ill-timed policy or mis- 
fortune had produced, had created such a drain, 
tiiat arms were not to be procured. They had ad- 
vanced, however, to their point of destination, with 
an expectation of being supplied on their arrival. 
About five hundred of them had muskets; the rest 
were provided with guns, from which little or no ad- 
vantage could be expected. Tlie mayor of New- 



152 LIFE OP ANDREW JACKSON. 

Orleans, at the request of General Jackson, had al- 
ready examined and drawn from the city every 
weapon that could be found; while the arrival of the 
Louisiana militia, in an equally unprepared situation, 
rendered it impossible for the evil to be effectually 
remedied. A boat laden with arms was somewhere 
on the river, intended for the use and defence of the 
lower country; but where it was, or when it mii^ht 
arrive, rested alone on hope and conjecture. Ex- 
presses had been despatched up the river, for three 
hundred miles, to seek and hasten it on; still there 
were no tidings of an approach. That so many 
brave men, at a moment of such anxious peril, should 
be compelled to stand with folded arms, unable, from 
their situation, to render the least possible service to 
their country, was an event greatly to be deplored, 
and did not fail to excite the feelings and sensibility 
of the commanding general. His mind active, and 
prepared for any thing but despondency, sought re- 
lief in vain; — there was none. No alternative was 
presented but to place them at his intrenchment in 
the rear, conceal their actual condition, and, by the 
show they might make, add to his appearance and 
numbers, without at all increasing his strength. 

165. Information was now received that Major- 
general Lambert had joined the British comman- 
der-in-chief with a considerable reinforcement. — 
It had been heretofore announced in the Ameri- 
can camp that additional forces were expected, 
and somethinof decisive miorht be looked for as 
soon as they should arrive. This circumstance, in 
connexion with others no less favouring the idea, 
had led to the conclusion that a few days more 
would, in all probability, bring on the struggle 
which would decide the fate of the city. It was 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 153 

more than ever necessary to keep concealed the 
situation of his army ; and, above all, to preserve as 
secret as possible its nnarmed condition. To re- 
strict all communication even with his own lines, 
was now, as danger increased, rendered more im- 
portant. None were permitted to leave the line, 
and none from without to pass into his camp, but 
as were to be implicitly confided in. The line of 
sentinels were strengthened in front, that none 
might pass to the enemy, should desertion be at- 
tempted : yet, notwithstanding this precaution 
and care, his plans and situations were disclosed. 
On the ni^ht of the ()th January, a soldier from the 
line by some means succeeded in eluding the vig- 
ilance of our sentinels. Early next morning his 
departure was discovered : it was at once correct- 
ly conjectured he had gone over to the enemy, 
and would, no doubt, afford them all the informa- 
tion in his power to communicate. This opinion, 
as subsequent circumstances disclosed, was well 
founded , and dearly did he atone his crime. He 
unfolded to the British the situation of the Ame- 
rican line, the late reinforcements we had receiv- 
ed, and the unarmed condition of many of the 
troops ; and pointing to the centre of General 
Carroll's division, as a place occupied by militia 
alone, recommended it as the point where an at- 
tack might be most prudently and safiely made. 

166. Other intelligence received was confirma- 
tory of the belief of an impending attack. From 
some prisoners, taken on the lake, it was ascer- 
tained the enemy were busily engaged in deepen- 
ing Villery's canal, with a view of passing their 
boats and ordnance to the Mississippi. During 
the 7th, a constant bustle was perceived in the 



154 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Bristish camp. Along the borders of the cnnal 
their soldiers were continually in motion, march- 
ing and manoeuvring, for no oilier purpose than to 
conceal those who were busily engaged at work in 
the rear. To ascertain the cause of this uncom- 
mon stir, and learn their designs as far as was prac- 
ticable, Commodore Patterson had proceeded 
down the river, on the opposite side, and having 
gained a favourable position in front of their en- 
campment, discovered them to be actually engaged 
in deepening the passage to the river. It was no 
difficult matter to divine their purpose. No other 
conjecture could be entertained, than that an as- 
sault was intended to be made on the line of de- 
fence commanded by General Morgan : which, if 
gained, would expose our troops on the left bank to 
the fire of the redoubt erected on the right; and in 
this way compel them to an abandonment of their 
position. To counteract this scheme was im- 
portant; and measures were immediately taken to 
prevent the execution of a plan, which, if successful, 
would be attended with incalculable dangers. An 
increased strength was given to this line. The 
Second regiment of Louisiana militia, and four hun- 
dred Kentucky troops, were directed to be crossed 
over, to reinforce and protect it, Owing to some 
delay and difficulty in arming them, the latter 
amounting, instead of four hundred, to but one 
hundred and eighty, did not arrive until the morning 
of the 8th. A little before day they were des- 
patched to aid an advanced party, who, under the 
command of Major Arnaut, had been sent to watch 
the movements of the enemy, and oppose their 
landing. The hopes indulged from their opposition 



LiIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 155 

were not realized; and the enemy, unmolested 
reached the shore. 

1G7. Morgan's position, besides being strengthened 
by several brass twelves, was defended by a strong 
battery, mounting twenty-four pounders, directed 
by Commodore Patterson, which afforded additional 
strength and security. The line itself was not 
strong: yet, if properly maintained by the troops 
selected to defend it, was believed fully adequate 
to the purpose of successful resistance. Late at 
night Patterson ascertained that the enemy had 
succeeded in passing tlieir boats through the canal, 
and immediately communicated his information to 
the general. The commodore had already formed 
the idea of dropping the Louisiana schooner down, 
to attack and sink them. This thought, though well 
conceived, was abandoned, from the danger in- 
volved, and from an appreliension lest the batteries 
erected on the river, with which she would come 
in collision, might, by the aid of hot shot, succeed 
in blowing her up. It was preferred patiently lo 
await their arrival, believing it would be practicable, 
witii the bravery of more than fifteen hundred men, 
and tlie slender advantages possessed from their 
line of defence, to maintain their position, and repel 
the assailants. 

168. On the left hank, where the general in per- 
son commanded, every thing was in readiness to 
meet the assault when it should be made. The re- 
doubt on the levee was defended by a company of 
the seventh regiment, under the command of Lieu- 
tenant Ross. The regular troops occupied that 
partof the intrenchment next the river. General 
Carroll's division was in the centre, ^ipported by 



156 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the Kentucky troops, under General John Adair; 
wliile the extreme left, extending for a considerable 
distance into the swamp, was protected by the 
brigade of General Coffee. How soon the attack 
should be waged was uncertain; at what moment 
rested with the enemy, — with us, to be in readiness 
for resistance. There were many circumstances, 
however, favouring the belief that the hour of con- 
test was not far distant, and indeed fasf approach- 
ing; the bustle of to-day, — the efforts to carry their 
boats into the river, — the fascines and scaling-lad- 
ders that were preparing, were circumstances point- 
ing to attack, and indicating the hour to be near at 
hand. General Jackson, unmoved \)y appearances, 
anxiously desired a contest, which he believed 
would give a triumph to his arms, and terminate the 
hardships of his suffering soldiers. Unremitting in 
exertion, and constantly vigilant, his precaution 
kept pace with the zeal and preparation of the 
enemy. He seldom slept; he was always at his 
post, performing the duties of both general and 
soldier. His sentinels were doubled, and extended 
as far as possible in the direction of the British 
camp; while a considerable portion of the troops 
were constantly at the line, with arms in their 
hands, ready to act when the first alarm should be 
given. 

169. For eight days had the two armies lain upon 
the same field, and in view of each other, without 
any thing decisive being on either side effected. 
Twice since their landing had the British columns 
tssayed to effect by storm the execution of their 
plans, and twice had failed — been compelled to re- 
Imquish the attempt, and retire from the contest. 
It was not to be expected that things could long re- 



LIFE OF ANDBEW JACKSOW. 157 

main in this dubious state. Soldiers, the pride of 
England, — the boasted conquerors of Europe, were 
there; distinguished generals tlieir leaders, who 
earnestly desired to announce to their country and 
the world their signal achievements. Tlie high ex- 
pectations which had been indulged of the success of 
this expedition were to be realized at every peril, or 
disgrace would follow the failure. 

170. The 8th of January at length arrived. The 
day dawned; and the signals intended to produce 
concert in the enemy's movements were descried — 
On the left, near the swamp.; a skyrocket was per- 
ceived rising in the air; and presently another as. 
ccndcd from the right, next the river. They were 
intended lo andounce that all was prepared and 
ready, to proceed and carry by storm a defence 
which had twice Ibiled their utmost etforts, In- 
stantly ihe ciiarj;e was made, and with such rapidif 
ty that our soldiers at the outposts with difficulty 
fled in. 

171. Tlie British batteries, which liad been de- 
molisiied on the 1st of the month, had been re-estab- 
lisiied (luring the preceding night, and heavy 
pieces of cannon mounted, to aid in their intended 
operations. Tiiese now opened, and showers of 
bombs and balls were poured upon our line ; while 
the air was lighted with their conjj;reve rockets.-— 
The two divisions, commanded by Sir Edward 
Packenham in person, and rsupported by Generals 
Keane and Gibbs, pressed forward ; the right 
against the centre of General Carroll's command, 
ti\e left against our redoubt on the levee. A thick 
fog that obscured the morning enabled them to 
approach within a sliort distance of our intrench' 

14 



158 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. J 

J 

ment befope they were discovered. They were" ' 
now perceived advancing with firm, quick, and | 
steady pace, in column, with a front of sixty or i 
seventy deep. Our troops, who had for some lime ; 
been in readiness, and waiting their appearance, l 
gave three cheers, and instantly the whole line 
was lighted with the blaze of their fire. A burst of 
artillery and small arms, pourinf;^ with destructive I 
aim upon them, mowed down their front, and ar- 
rested their advance. In our musketry there was ; 
not a moment's intermissiou : as one party dis- 
charged theirpieces, another succeeded ; alternate- 
ly loading and appearing, no pause could be per- 
ceived — it was one continued volley. The co- 
lumns already perceived their dangerous and ex- 
posed situation. Buttery No. 7, on the left, was 
ably served by Lieutenant Spotts, and galled (hem 
with an incessant and destructive fire. Batteries 
No. 6 and 8 were no less actively employed, and 
no less successful in fellini{ them to the crround. 
Notwithstanding the severity of our fire, which 
few troops could for a moment have withstood, 
some of those brave men pressed on, and succeed- 
ed in gaining the ditch in front of our works, 
where they remained during the action, and were 
afterward made prisoners. The horror before them 
was too great to be withstood ; and already were 
the British troops seen wavering in their determi- 
nation, and receding from the conflict. At this 
moment, Sir Edward Packenham, hastening to the 
front, endeaToured to encourage and inspire them 
with renewed zeal. His example was of short 
continuance: he soon fell mortally wounded in the 
arms of his aid-da-camp, not far from our line. — 
Generals Gibbs and Keane also fell, and were 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 159 

Vtorne from the field dangerously wounded. At 
this moment, General La!nbert, who was advanc- 
ing at a small distance in the rear, with the re- 
serve, met the columns precipitately retreating, 
and in great confusion. His efforts to stop them 
were unavailing, they continued retreating, until 
they reached a ditch at the distance of four hun- 
dred yards, where a momentary safely being found, 
they were rallied and halted. 

172. The field before them, over which they had 
advanced, was strewed with the dead and dying. 
Danger hovered still around; yet urged and encour- 
aged by their officers, who feared their own disgrace 
involved in the failure, they again moved to the 
charge. They were already near enough to de- 
ploy, and were endeavouring to do so; but the same 
constant and unremitted resistance that caused their 
first retreat, continued yet unabated. Our batteries 
had never ceased their fire; their constant discharg- 
es of grape and canister, and the fatal aim of our 
musketry, mowed down the front of the columns aa 
fast as they could be formed. Satisfied nothing could 
be done, and that certain destruction awaited all 
further attempts, they forsook the contest and the 
field in disorder, leaving it almost entirely covered 
with the dead and wounded. It was in vain their 
officers endeavoured to animate them to further re- 
sistance, and equally vain to attempt coercion. The 
panic produced from the dreadful repulse they had 
experienced, the plain on which they had acted be- 
iag covered with innumerable bodies of their coun- 
trymen, while with their most zealous exertions they 
had been unable to obtain the slightest advantage, 
were circumstances well calculated to make even the 



160 LIFE OP AJTDREW JACKSON. 

most submissive soldier oppose the authority that 
would have controlled hun. 

173. The light companies of fusileers, the forty- 
third and ninety-third regiments, and one hundred 
men from the West India regiment, led on by Colo- 
nel Rennie, were ordered to proceed under cover of 
some chimneys standing in the field, until having 
cleared them, to oblique to the river, and advance, 
protected by the levee against our redoubt on the 
right. This work, having been but lately com- 
menced, was in an unfinished state. It was not until 
the 4th that General Jackson, much against his own 
opinion, liad yielded to the suggestions of others, and 
permitted its projection; and, considering the plan 
on which it had been sketched, liad not yet received 
that strength necessary to its safe defence. The 
detachment ordered against this place formed the 
left of General Keane's command, llennie exe- 
cuted his orders with great bravery, and urging 
forward, arrived at the ditch. His advance was 
greatly annoyed by Commodore Patterson's bat- 
tery on the left bank, and the cannon mounted on 
the redoubt; but reaching; our works and passing 
the ditch, Rennie, sword in hand, leaped on the 
wall, and calling to his troops, bade them follow; 
he had scarcely spoken, when he fell by the fatal 
aim of our riflemen. Pressed by the impetuosity 
of the superior numbers who were mounting the 
wall and entering at the embrasures, our troops 
had retired to the line, in rear of the redoubt. A 
momentary pause ensued, but only to be interrupt- 
ed with increased horrors. Captain Beal, with 
the city riflemen, cool and self-possessed, perceiv- 
ing the enemy in his front, opened upon them, 
and at every discharge brought the object to the 



LIFE OF ANDREW MCKSO:iT. 161 

ground. To advance, or maintain the point gained, 
was equally impracticable for the enemy: to retreat 
or surrender was the only alternative: for they al- 
ready perceived liiL' division on the right thrown 
into confusion, and hastily leaving the field. 

174. General Jackson, being informed of the 
succes of the enemy on the right, and of their be- 
ing in possession of the redoubt, pressed forward 
a reinforcement to regain it. Previously to its ar- 
rival, they had abandoned the attempt and were 
retiring. They were severely galled by such of our 
guns as could be brouglit to bear. The levee af- 
forded them considerable protection; yet, by Com- 
modore Patterson's redoubt on the right bank, 
they suffered greatly. Enfiladed by this on their 
advance, they had been greatly annoyed, and now 
in their retreat were no less severely assailed. — 
Numbers found a grave in the ditch before our 
line; and of those who gained the redoubt, not one 
it is believed escaped; they were shot down as 
fast as they entered. The route along which they 
had advanced and retired was strewed with bo- 
dies. Affrighted at the carnage, they moved from 
the scene hastily and in confusion. Our batteries 
were still continuing the slaughter, and cutting 
them down at every step; safety seemed only to 
be attainable when they should have retired with- 
out the range of our shot, which, to troops galled 
as severely as they were, was too remote a relief. 
Pressed by this consideration they fled to the ditch, 
whither the right division had retreated, and there 
remained until night permitted them to retire. 

175. The loss of the British in the main attack 
on the left bank has been at different times vari- 
14* 



162 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

ously stated. The killed, wounded, and prison- 
ers ascertained on the next day after the battle by 
Colonel Hayne, the inspector-general, places it at 
twenty-six hundred. General Lambert's report to 
Lord Bathurst makes it but two thousand and sev- 
enty. From prisoners, however, and information 
and circumstances derived through other sources, it 
must have been even greater than is stated by eith- 
er. Among them was the commander-in-chief, and 
Major-general Gibbs, who died of his wounds the 
next day, besides many of their most valuable and 
distinguished ollicers; while the loss of the Ameri- 
cans in killed and wounded was but thirteen. Our 
effective force at the line on the left bank was 
three thousand seven hundred; that of the enemy 
at least nine thousand. The force landed in 
Louisiana has been variously reported; the best in- 
formation places it at about fourteen thousand. — 
A part of this acted with Colonel Tiiornton; the 
climate had rendered many unfit for the duties of 
the field; while a considerable number had been 
killed and wounded in the different contests since 
their arrival. Their strength, therefore, may be 
fairly estimated, on the 8th, at the number we 
have stated; at any rate, not less. 

176. That this was considered an undertaking 
of greater magnitude and hazard than they were 
disposed openly to admit, is obvioas, from one cir- 
cumstance. The officer who leads his troops on 
a forlon attempt, not unfrequently places before 
them allurements stronger than either authority or 
duty. On the present occasion, this resort was not 
omitted; and inducements were held out, than 
which nothing more inviting could be offered to* 
an infuriated soldiery. Let it be remembered of 



LIFE OF ANDREW /ACKSON. 163 

that gallant but misguided general, who has been 
so much deplored by the British nation, that to the 
cupidity of his soldiers he promised the wealth of 
the city, as a recompense for their gallantry and 
desperation; while, with brutal licentiousness, they 
were to revel in lawless indulgence, and triumph 
uncontrolled over female innocence. Scenes like 
these our nation, dishonoured and insulted, had 
already witnessed; she had witnessed them at 
Hampton and Ilavre-de-Grace ; but it was reserved 
for her yet to learn, that an officer of the character 
and standing of Sir Edward Packenham, polished, 
generous, and brave, should, to induce his soldiers 
to acts of daring valour, permit them, as a reward 
to insult, injure, and debase those whom all man- 
kind, even savages, reverence and respect. The 
history of Europe, since civilized warfare began, 
is challenged to aff'ord an instance of such gross 
depravity, such wanton outrage on the morals and 
dignity of society. Englisli writers may deny the 
correctness of the charge: it certainly interests them 
to do so : but its authenticity is too well establish- 
ed to admit of doubt, while its criminality is in- 
creased, from being the act of a people who hold 
themselves up to surrounding nations as examples 
of every thing that is correct and proper. The 
facts and circumstances which were presented at 
the time of this transaction left no doubt on the 
minds of our officers, but that ^'Beauty and Booty" 
was the watchword of the day. The information 
was obtained from prisoners, and confirmed by the 
books of two of their orderly-sergeants taken in 
battle, which contained record proof of the fact. 

177. The events of this day aff'ord abundant evi- 
dence of the liberality of the American soldiers, 



164 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

and show a striking difference in thelroops of the 
two nations. VV hiie one were alhired to acts of 
bravery and duty by the promised pillage and plun- 
der of the inhabitants, and the commission of 
crimes abhorrent in the sight of earth and hea- 
ven, the other fought but for his country, and liav- 
ing repelled her assailants, instantly forgot all en- 
mity, viewed his fallen foe as a brother, and hasten- 
^d to assist him even at the hazard of liis own 
life. The gallantry of the British soldiers, and no 
people could have displayed greater, had brought 
many of them even to our ramparts, where, shot 
down by our troops, they were lying badly wound- 
ed. When the firing had ceased and the columns 
had retired, our troops, with generous benevolence, 
advanced over liieir lines to assist and brinor in the 
wounded which lay under and near the walls ; 
when, strange to tell, the enemy from the ditch 
they occupied opened a lire upon them, and though 
at a considerable distance, succeeded in woundinof 
several. It was enough for our generous soldiers 
that they were doing an act which the betievolence 
of tiieir hearts approved, and vvitli charitable j)er- 
sevcrance they continued to administer to the 
wants of these suffering men, and to carry them 
within their lines, although in their efforts they 
were continually exposed to danger. Let the 
apologist for crime say wherefore were acts thus 
unpardonable committed against men who were 
administering to the wants and relieving the suf- 
ferings of ihe dying countrymen of those who thus 
repaid the most laudable humanity with wanton 
and useless cruelty. 

178. A communication, shortly after, from Ma- 
jor-general Lambert, on whom in consequence of 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 165 

the fall ofGenerals Packcnham, Gibbs, and Keanc, 
the command had devolved, acknowledges to have 
witnessed the kindness of our troops to his wound- 
ed. He solicited of General Jackson permission 
to send an unarmed party to bury the dead lying 
before his lines and to brina offsuch of the wound- 
ed as were dangerous. Though, in all probability, 
it was unknown to General Lambert what had 
been the conduct of his troops on this occasion, 
and unquestionably not authorized by him, yet 
Jackson, in answer to his despatch, did not omit to 
bring it to his view, and to express liis uiter abhor- 
rence of the act. The request to bury the dead 
was granted. General Jackson, though refused to 
permit a near approach to his line, but consented 
that the wounded who were at a greater distance 
than three hundred yards from the intrenchment 
should be relieved, and the dead buried : those 
nearer, were by his own men to be delivered over, 
to be interred by their countrymen. This precau- 
tion was taken, that the enemy might not have an 
opportunity to inspect, or know any thing of his 
situation. 

179. General Lambert, desirous of administer- 
ing to the relief of the wounded, and that he might 
be relieved from his apprehensions of attack, pro- 
posed, about noon, that hostilities should cease 
until the same hour the next day. General Jack- 
son, cherishing the hope of being able to secure an 
important advantage by his apparent willingness 
to accede to the proposal, drew up an armistice, 
and forwarded it to General Lambert, with direc- 
tions for it to be immediately returned if approved. 
It contained a stipulation to this effect: that hos- 
tilities on the bank of the river should be discoii- 



1()6 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

tinued from its ratification, but on the right bank 
they should not cease ; and, in tlie interim, that 
under no circumstances were reinforcements to be 
sent across by either party. Tiiis was a bold 
stroke at stratagem ; and although it succeeded 
even to the extent desired, was yet attended with 
considerable iiazard. Reinforcements had been 
ordered over to retake the position lost by Morgan 
in the morning, and the general presumed they had 
arrived at their point of destination, but at this 
lime they had not passed the river, nor could it be 
expected to be retaken with the same troops who 
had yielded it the day before, wlicn possessed of 
advantages which gave them a decided superiori- 
ty ; this the commanding general well knew; yet, 
to spare the sacrifice of his men, which in regain- 
ing it Jie foresaw must be considerable, he was 
disposed to venture upon a course which, he felt 
assured, could not fail to succeed. It was impos- 
sible his object could be discovered ; while he con- 
fidently believed the British commander would in- 
fer, from the prompt and ready manner in which 
liis proposal had been met, that such additional 
troops were already thrown over as would be fully 
adequate to the purposes of attack, and greatly to 
endanger, if not wholly to cut off, Colonel Thorn- 
ton's retreat. General Lambert's construction 
was such as had been anticipated. Althouo-h the 
armistice contained a request that it should be 
immediately signed and returned, it was neglected 
to l;e acted upon until the next day ; and Thornton 
and his command were, in the interim, under cov- 
er of the night, recrossed, and the ground they oc- 
cupied left to be peaceably possessed by the origi- 
jjal holders. The opportunity thus afforded of 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 1G7 

regaininof a position on which, in a great degree, 
depended the snfcty of those on the opj)Osile shore, 
was accepted with an avidity its importance merit- 
ed, and immediate measures taken to increase its 
strength, and prepare it against any future attack 
that might be made. This delay of the British 
commander was evidently designed, that, pending 
the negociation, and before it was concluded, an 
opportunity might be had either of throwing over 
remforcements, or removing Colonel Thornton 
and his troops from a situation so extremely peril- 
ous. Early next morning General Lambert re- 
turned his acceptance of what hnd been proposed, 
with an apolo;[Ty for having failed to reply sooner: 
he excused the omission by pleading a j)ress of 
business, which had occasioned the communica- 
tion to be overlooked and ne'Hected. Jackson 
was at no loss to attribute the delay to the correct 
motive ; the apology, however, was as perfectly sa- 
tisfactory to him as any thing that could have been 
olTered ; beyond the objfjct intended to be eflected 
he felt unconcerned, and having secured this rest- 
ed perfectly satisfied. It cannot, however, appear 
otherwise than extraordinary, that this neglect 
should have been ascribed by the British general 
lo accident, or a press ol business, when it must 
have been, no doubt, of greater importance at that 
moment than any thing which he could possibly 
have had before him. 

180. The armistice was this morning (9lh of 
January} concluded, and agreed to continue until 
two o'clock in the evenintr. The dead and wound- 
ed were now removed from the field, which for 
three hundred yards in front of our line of defence 
they almost literally covered. For the reason aU 



168 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

ready suggested, our soldiers, within the line of 
demarcation between the two camps, delivered 
over to the Britij^h, who were not permitted to 
cross it, the dead for burial, and the wounded on 
parloe, for which it was stipulated an equal num- 
ber of American prisoners should be restored. 

181. It has seldom haj)pened that oflicera were 
more deceived in their exj)ectalions than they 
were in the result of this battle, or atoned more 
sevorclv for their error: their reasoninsr had never 
led them to conclude that militia would maintain 
their ground when warmly assailed; no other be- 
lief was entertained tiian, alarmed at the appear- 
ance and orderly firm approach of veteran troops, 
they would at once forsake the contest, and in 
flight seek safety. At what part of our line they 
were stationed, was ascertained by information 
derived through a deserter on the Ctli; and influ- 
enced by a belief of their want of nerve and defi- 
ciency in bravery, at this point the main assault 
was urged. They were indeed militia; but the 
enemy could have assailed no part of our in- 
trenchment where they would have n>et a warmer 
reception, or where they would have found great- 
er strength; it was indeed, the best defended part 
of the line. The Kentucky and Tennessee troops, 
under Generals Carroll, Thomas, and Adair, were 
here, who had already, on former occasions, won 
a reputation that was too dear to be sacrific- 
ed. These divisions, alternately charging their 
pieces and mounting the platform, poured forth a 
constant fire that was impossible to be withstood, 
repelled the advancing columns, and drove them 
from the field with prodigious slaughter. 

162. There is one fact told, to which general 



LIFB OF ANDREW JACKSON. 169 

credit seems to be attached, and which clcarlv 
shows the opinion had by the British of our mili- 
tia, and the little fear which was entertained of 
any determined opposition from them. When re- 
pulsed from our line, the British officers were 
fully persuaded that the information given them 
by the deserter on the night of the 6th was false, 
and that instead of pointincr out the ground de- 
fended by the militia, he had referred them to the 
place occupied by our best troops. Enraged at 
what they believed an intentional deception, they 
called their informant before them to account for 
the mischief he iiad done. It was in vain he urff- 
ed his innocence, and with the most solemn pro- 
testations, declared he iiad stated the fact truly as 
it was. They could not be convinced, — it was 
impossible that they had contended against any 
but the best-disciplined troops; and, without fur- 
ther ceremony, the poor fellow, suspended in 
view of the camp, expiated on a tree, not his 
crime, for what he had stated was true, but their 
error in underrating an enemy who had already 
afibrded abundant evidences of valour. In all 
their future trials with our countrymen, may they 
be no less deceived, and discover in our yeoman- 
ry a determination to sustain with firmness a go- 
vernment which knows nothing of oppression; but 
which, on an enlarged and liberal scale, aims to 
secure the independence and happiness of man. 
If the people of the United States, — free almost 
as the air they breathe, — shall at any time omit to 
maintain their privileges and their government, 
then, indeed, will it be idle longer to speak of the 
rights of men, or of their capacity to govern iheni- 
15 



170 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

selves: llie dream of liberty must fade away and 
perish forever, no more to be remembered or 
thoutrht of. 

183. After the battle of the 8th of January, 
Jackson could have captured every man of the 
British force that was upon the land, if he had 
been supplied with arms, according to his own 
repeated urgent requests, antl agreeably to the 
promises that were made liini. Not having arms, 
he was compelled to let the remainder of the "he- 
roes of the Peninsula" escape. They got to the 
other side of the river, and there they embarked, 
leaving behind them the contempt of the faithful 
Americans, and the symj)athctic sorrows of the 
traitors. Now, however, these traitors sang his- 
praises in lofty strains; put up thanksgiving in 
their churches, called iiim "an rnstrumcfit in the 
hands of God;" though a few days before they 
would have sold him and his army, flesh, blood, 
bones, and all. He submitted to the mummery 
of being fined for having imj>risoned the judge, 
which he did of course, in order to give an ex- 
ample of submission to the laws, most heartily 
despising the traitor, and all his brother traitors at 
the same time. He found it necessary to remain 
at New-Orleans till March, when he dismissed 
his troops in the following address, which ought 
to be read, preserved, and cherished in every 
country of the world: — 

Address to the troops of New-Orleans after tlvc annunciation of peace. 

The major-general is at length enabled to perform the pleasing task of re^ 
storing to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, and the territory of the Missis- 
sippi, the brave troops who have acted such a distinguished part in the vavr 
■which has just terminated. In- restoring these brave men to their homes^ 
much exertion is expected of, and great responsibility imposed on, the com- 
manding officers of the different corps. It is required of Major-geaeriil» 



I 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 171 

Carroll and Thomas, and Brigadier-general Coffee, to march their com- 
mands, without unnecessary delay, to their respective states. The troops 
from tne Mississippi territory and state of Louisiana, both militia and volun- 
teers, will be immediately mustered out of service, paid, and discharged. 

The major-general has tlie satisfaction of announcing the approbation of 
the President of the United States to the conduct of the troops under his 
command, expressed in flattering terms, through the honourable the secre- 
tary at war. 

In parting ■..ilh those brave men, whose destinies have been so long united 
with hii own, and in whose labours and clorics it is his happiness and his 
boast to have participated, the commanding general can neither suppress his 
feelings, nor give utterance to them as he ought. In what terms can he be- 
stow suilable praise on merit so extraordinary, so unparalleled? Let him, 
in one burst of joy, gratitude, and exultation, exclaim — "These arc the sa- 
viours of their country — these the patriot soldiers, who triumphed over the 
invincibles of Wellington, and conquered the contjuerors of Kurope!" 
With what patience did you submit to privations — with wliat fortitude did 
ou endure fatigue — what vhIoit did you display in the day of battle! You 
ave secured to America a proud name among the ualious of the earth— a 
glory which will never perish. 

I'ossessing Ujosc dispositions which equally adorn the citizen and Ihc 
soldier, the expectations of your country will be mtl in peace, as her wikhes 
have bren gratitied in war. (Jo, then, my brave companions, to your homes; 
to those tender connexions, and blisbliU bcenes, which render life so dear — 
full of honour, and crowned with laurels which will never fade. When 
participating in the bosoms of your families the enjoyment of peaceful life, 
with what happiness will you not look back to the toils you have borne — to 
the dangers you have encountered? How will all your past exposures be 
converted into sources of inexpressible delight! Who, that never experi- 
enced your sufT* rinjrs, will be able to appreciate your joys? The man who 
slumbered ingloriousiy at home, during your painful marches, your nights 
of watchfulness, and your days of toil, will envy you the happiness which 
these recollections v.ill alford— still more will he envy the gratitude of that 
country which you have so eminently contributed to save. 

Continue, fellow-solditrs, on your passage to your several destinations^ (o 
preserve that subordination, that dignified and manly deportment which 
nave so ennobled your character. 

Willie the commanding general is thus giving indulgence to his feelings 
towards those brave companions who accompanied liiin through difficulties 
and danger, he cannot permit the names of Blount, and Shelby, and Holmes 
to pass unnoticed. With what generous ardour and patriotism have these 
distinguished governors contributed all their exertions to provide the means 
ofvictory! The recollection of their exertions, and of the success which 
has resulted, will be to them a reward more grateful than any which the 
pomp of title or the splendour of wealth can bestow. 

What happiness it is to the commandins; general, that, while danger was 
before him, he was, on no occasion, compelled to use towards his compan- 
ions in arms cither severity or rebuke! If, after the enemy had retired, im- 
proper passions began their empire in a few unworthy bosoms, and rendered 
a resort to energetic measures necessary for their suppression, he has not 
confounded the innocent with the guilty — the seduced with the seducers. 
Towards you, fellow-soldiers, the most cheering recollections exist; blended, 
alas! with regret, that disease and war should have ravished from us so many 
worthy companions. But the memory of the cause in which they perished, 
and of the virtues which animated them while living, must occupy tlie place 
where sofrow would claim to dwell. 



172 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Farewell, fellow-soldiers. The expression of your goneralH tTianks i» 
feeble, but the gratitude of a country of freemen is yours — yours the ap- 
plause of an admiriiig world. 

ANDRFAV JACKSON, 
Major- General commanding. 

184. Let us now see tlje pretty btory which the 
government dressed up to gull the people oT En- 
gland with. It will be rememheied, thiil Packeri- 
ham, and Gibbs, and Kearie liad been killed, or 
put hors de combat; so that Lambert became the 
commander-in-chief. Lambert sent home his 
despatch, though of wliat date we are not told. 
Lambert's despatch was never given to the ])ub- 
lic. What is called a "bulletin" was dressed np, 
and published in the London Gazette in the fol- 
lowing words, on the 8th of March, 1815; — 

WAR DEPARTMENT, MARCH 8, 1813. 

Captain Wylly arrived this morning with despatches from Major general 
Lambert, detailing the operations against the enemy in the neighborhood of 
New-Orleans. It appears tliat the army, under the command of Major- 
general Keane, was landed at the head of the Bayonne, in tlie vicinity of 
New-Orleans, on the morning of the 23d December, without opposition; it 
was, however, attacked by the enemy in tlie course of the night succeeding 
the landing, when, after an obstinate contest, the enemy were repulsed at 
all points with considerable loss. On the morning of the 25th, Sir E. Pack- 
enham arrived, and assumed the command of the army. On the 27th, at 
daylight, the troops moved forward, -driving the enemy's pickets (o within 
sir miles of the town, when the main body of the enemy was discovered 
posted behind a breastwork, extending about one thousand yards, with the 
right resting on the Mississippi, and the left on a thick wood. The inter- 
val between the 27th December and the 8th January was employed in pre- 
parations for an attack upon the enemy's position. The attack which was 
intended to have been made on the night of the 7th, did not, owing to tlie 
difficulties experienced in the pafsige of the Mississippi, by a corps under 
Lieutenant- colonel Thornton, which was destined to act on the right bank 
of the river, take place till early on the morning of the 8th. The division 
to whom the storming of the enemy's work was intrusted, moved to the at- 
ack at that time, but being too soon discovered by the enemy, were received 
with a galling and severe fire from all parts of their line. Major-general 
Sir Edward Packenham, who^had placed himself at the head of the troops, 
was unfortunately killed at the head of the glacis, and Major-general Gibbs 
and Keane were nearly at the same moment wounded. The effect of this 
upon the troops caused a hesitation in their advance, and though order was 
restored by the advance of the reserve under Major-General Lambert, to 
whom the command of the army had devolved, and Colonel Thornton had 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 173 

«!««;eeded in the operation assi^ed to him on the right bank of the river; 
yet the Major-general, ujwn tlie consideration of the ditficultiea which yet 
remained to be surmounted, did not think himself justified in ordering a re- 
newal of the attack. The troops, therefore, retired to the position which 
they had occupied previous to the attack. In that position they remained 
until the evenmg of the 18lh, when the whole of the wounded, with the ex- 
ception of eighty (whom it was considered dangerous to remove), the field 
artillery, and all the itores of every description, having been embarked, the 
army retired to the head of the Bayonne, where the lauding had been origi- 
nally effected, and re-embarked without molestation. 

1S5. Anil this was all ihnt tho pnoplc of this 
duped nation ever heard of the matter from first 
to last. Bonaparte liad landed at this time from 
Elba, and the battle of Waterloo soon succeeded; 
<ind both government and people were extremely 
glad to forget all about this unmerciful beating in 
America. 'J'his battle of New-Orleans broke the 
heart of European despotism; and the man who 
won it did, in that one act, more for the good and 
the honour of the human race, than ever was yet 
done by any other man besides himself. 



CHAPTER VI. 



FROM MARCH, 1815, TO FEBRUARY, 1834. 

Becomes a senator in the congress of the United States, for the state of Ten- 
nessee — Is a candidate for the presidentship, 1824 — Has the greatest num- 
ber of vot«s, but is kept out by a trick of Clay and Crawford — Is cliosen 
president in 1829 — Declares against a renewal of the bank charter — Puts 
nis veto on a bill to renew the charter of the bank — The bank forms a 
conspiracy against his re-election — He is re-elected in the fall of I8li2 — 
He denounces the bank, exposes its corruption and bribery, takes the de- 
posites from the bank, and places them in the stale banks — Publishes his 
reasons for doing this — Person and character. 



186. Once more Jackson returned to his farm 
at Nashville; but after all these exploits, after the 
exhibition of such talent, such inflexible resolution 
15* 



174 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

in the performance of every thing whicli he deem- 
ed for the honour and good of his country, it was 
impossible that a sensible and grateful people 
should be satisfied without seeing iiini in liie oc- 
cupation of some important public post. He was 
soon, therefore, again a member of the congress; 
one of the two senators for his own domestic state 
of Tennessee. At the time when lie returned 
home, Mr. Madison was the president; Monroe 
succeeded Madison in ISIG; and he continued in 
the office till 18-24. In 18-24, a new president 
beiinr to be chosen, Jackson, popular with all but 
the envious few, and the monopolizing paper-mo- 
ney many, was put in nomination as a candidate 
for the presidentship; and he had ?nore votes than 
any other candidate, yet lie was not chosen presi- 
dent. The English reader will ask how this can 
be: it is thus. The law is, that electors of the pre- 
sident shall be chosen by the people in every 
state; that these electors shall each give his vote 
for some one person to be president; that any 
candidate who has a majority of the votes of the 
whole of the electors shall be the presiderit; but, 
if there be no one who has a majority of the whole 
of the votes of the electors, then the president 
shall be chosen by the members of the House of 
Representatives; but that there they shall vote by 
states; and that each stat6 shall have one vote and 
no more. Now, there were four candidates having 
votes of electors as follows: — 

Jackson^ .99 

Adams, 84 

Crawford, 47 

Clay, ^ 

2G1 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 175 

187. Therefore, Jackson not having a majorily 
-of the whole, the other kind of election took place; 
xind as they were the {Treat slates who were for 
him, and the small stales for Adams, the other 
mode of election made Adams the president, 
though with a minority oi voles! This was a 
vindictive trick of Clay, who envied and 
hated Jackson. Crawford and Clay aj)pear to 
have stood forward for the express purpose 
of gratifying their envy of Jackson; and thus for 
four years they deprived the [)oople of the ser- 
vices of the man of their choice. It is right to ob- 
serve here on the sound judgment of the Auierican 
peo[)le, as most fully proved upon this occasion. 
The president, though, as wc have seen, a most able 
and beautiful writer, appears never to have taken 
much part in the war of words. Clay is, they say, 
one of the best specch-makers in the world; but the 
people did not want a spcechmaker; they remcnbered 
that Washington was no speech-maker; they wanted 
a man of tried fidelity and resolution; and, above all 
things, a man hostile to the frauds of paper-money: 
they knew that they had a hydra to destroy, and they 
wanted a Hercules lor a president. Mr. Ronaklson, 
of Philadelphia, a most sensible, clear-sighted, and 
public-s])irited man, an essay from whoso pen I my- 
self published in England pretty nearly twenty years 
ago, showing that, if the paper-money were not put 
a stop to, it must destroy the liberties of America; 
this Mr. Ronaldson, a native of Scotland, but settled 
from his youth in Philidelphia, 1 saw at New- York in 
1818; and ho then again pressed upon mc the ne- 
cessity of all good people combining against the 
infamous paper-money. I do not know, and I never 
have known a cleverer man than Mr. Ronaldson: I 



176 LIFK OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

liave been informed by a gentleman from Philadel- 
phia, and now in England, tiiat Mr. Ronaldson was 
tiie first man in America to propose Jackson for 
president; that he called a. meeting for the purpose 
in Philadelphia; and from that meeting the proposi- 
tion sprc ad itself over the union, I have thought 
it just towards Mr. Ranaldson to relate this fact: and 
I thought it just to our cause also; because the first 
thought of the matter having emanated Jrom the mind 
of such a man, is an additional proof of the wisdom 
of the choice made by the people. 

188. Adams' lour years having expired, he tried 
the thing again; but the field was now clear of Clay 
and of Crawford, who had got pretty well execrated 
for their conduct at the preceding election; and now 
the votes of the electors stood thus: 

Jackson - - 178 
Adams - - - 83 

Total 261 

189. Now it was, and now it is, that he had, and 
has, to overcome a more deadly enemy of his country 
than either the British or the savages, namely, the 
monster of paper money! In the year 1816, a charter 
liad been granted by the governmant of the United 
States, to make a Bank of the United States, as nearly 
as possible like the Bank of England. This bank was 
a great extension of the paper-money system which 
had before existed. It was to receive as deposites 
the taxes raised by the United States; it was to pay 
the dividends on the United States' stock or debt; 
it was to make advances to the government, if ne- 
cessary; in short, like the Bank of England, it was 
to lend the people its notes, bottomed upon the 
people's own money; and it necessarily would 
have, and it did have the power of raising and of 
lowering prices at its pleasure; and thus of enor- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 177 

mously enriching the few at the expense of the in- 
dustrious many, and of producing all those other 
terrible evils which by the time that Jackson be- 
came president, in 1829, had covered that once 
happy country with misery. Jackson was too just 
and too wise a man not to use all his lawful powers 
for putting an end to this hellish system. He was no 
sooner in possession of his office than he began to 
take steps for this purpose. In his annual message, 
delivered to the congress, in December, 1829, in De- 
cember, 1830, and in December, 1831, he expressed 
his opinions very freely as to this matter, and those 
opinions decidedly hostile to the bank and banking 
system. In the session of the winter of 1832, the vil- 
lanous paper-money people and their supporters laid a 
scheme for ousting him from his presidentship, or for 
compelling him to give up his hostility to the banks. 
If he intended to bo chosen again, next year was 
the time for the election; and, therefore, they thought 
they would put him to the test, which they did by 
bringing in, and passing through the two houses, a 
hill for the renewal of ihe charter of the Bank of the 
United States, This was wholly unnecessary, the 
charter ot the bank having four years yet unexpired; 
but his re-election was coming on, and this was to 
try him before that took place; if he signed the act, 
then it did not signify whether he were elected or 
not; if he refused to sign it, then there was time to 
defeat his election. 

190. He knew all this as well as the vile paper- 
money crew knew it; but when the bill reached him, 
he instantly put his veto upon it, and told the two 
houses that he never would put his hand to a charter 
of the bank as long as he existed. This was at the 
close of the session of 1832; and his re- election was 



178 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

to come on in October of that same year. He told the 
congress, that he clearly saw that this bill was ten- 
dered to him as the means of putting him to the test, 
and of putting the people to the test too; and in con- 
elusion of his reasons against signing the bill, he said, 
<-J have now done my duty to my country. If sus- 
tained by my fdllow-citizens, I shall be grateful and 
hapi)y; if not, I shall find in the motives which impel 
me ample grounds for contentment and peace." The 
re-election was to come, as has been just observed, 
in October, and the bank and all its branches, and all 
the bankers in the whole country, set to work to 
defeat liis re-election. The bank of the United 
State:s made enormous issues of fresh paper, and 
lent this paper to persons publishing newspapers, 
and to writers and other persons connected with 
the press, in order so to work as to prevent his re- 
election. These miscreants endeavoured to alarm 
the people at the prospect of low prices and of general 
bankruptcy and ruin; and the watchword of the 
election was, "Jackson and hard money" on one side, 
and the "Bank and its supporters" on the other side. 
It appears that the bank had a very large part of 
the newspaper press actually in its pay. Never- 
theless, the people decided for Jackson. He had, 
upon this occasion, not three opponents, as before, 
but one, namely, his bitter and envious enemy, Mr. 
Clay, over whom he obtained a majority very great 
indeed. He had the last time to contend with Adams, 
who had none but the aristocratical party for him. 
Clay was, therefore, chosen as his opponent this 
time, it being supposed that the aristocratical party 
would all vole for Clay, though he had always 
been of the other party. Of the two it was thought 
that they would prefer Clay; and it was thought 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 179 

that some of the democratic party, at any rate, 
would vote for Clay. These calc ilations, though 
rational enough, were thwarted by the event: all 
the people knew that Jackson had declared airainst 
the bank; and, being of his opinion, they decided by 
a great majority that the bank ought to cease. The 
people chose Jackson; and, by choosing him, they 
decided in favour of hard money. When the Eng- 
lish reader is thus informed of the history of those 
two elections, he will cease to be surprised at the 
very long and admirably eloquent speeches of Mr. 
Clay, against what he calls the "/j/mmi?/" of the 
"rZic/a/or" Jackson; and he will cease to wonder, 
that these very lengthy and most pathetic patriotic 
harangues appear to produce no more elfect upon 
the American people, than is produced on them by 
the squeaking of the frogs, the clamour of the kid- 
dadids, or the whistling of the ^^icluppcr-wUh.^^ But 
the delinquencies of these infamous bankers were 
not to be tolerated any longer. The president had 
determined not to renew the charter of this great 
bank; but it had too long a time to do mischief in; 
and he therefore resolved to pare its nails. The act 
establishing the bank provided, that the public money 
should be deposited in the bank, unless the secre- 
tary of the treasury should tlihik proper to deposit it 
at any other place, ichicli he might do at any limey merehj 
informing the house of representatives thai he had so 
done: and, as this secretary is appointed by the 
president himself, he will hardly, in such a case, act 
contrary to his will. The president, therefore or- 
dered the secretary of the treasury, or at least in- 
duced him, to Icike thud cjjosites from the great bank, 
and place them in some of the states bank. One 
secretary would not do this, and he was compelled 



180 LIFB OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

to choose anotlicr that would do it. lu justification 
ofa measure so decided, and of sucli vast imj)ortance, 
tlie president exposed tlic corruptioa, tiie bribery, 
tlie roguery indescrible, of this abominable Bank of 
the United States; and showed, that neither law, nor 
constitution, nor private property, nor public safety, 
could co-exist with this atrocious institution. As a 
. vehicle for these his accusations against the bank, he 
publislied, on the 28th of September, 1833, a letter, 
addressed by him to the several ministers of his cab- 
inet. This letter, one of the greatest acts of his 
whole wonderful life, I here insert, as containing the 
history of the abominations of this nefarious bank, and 
as containing the grounds of all those proceedings 
of the president, which he is now (March, 1834) 
pushing forward, and which promise to deliver his 
country from the accursed scourge of paper-money.. 



Read la the Cabinet on the ISth of September, IS33, 

A. Having carefully and anxiously considered all the facts and argu- 
ments which iiave been gubonitted to him, relative to a removal of the public 
deposites from the Bauk of the United States, the president deems it his 
duty to cimimuuicate in this manner to his cabinet the fmal conclusions of 
his own mind, and the reasons on which they are founded, in order to put 
them in a durable form, and to prevent misconceptions. 

B. The president's convictions of the dangerous tendencies of the Bank 
of the United States, since signally illustrated by its own acts, were so. 
overpowering when he entered upon the duties of chief magi:itrate, that he 
felt it his duty, notwithstanding the objections of the friends by whom he 
was surrounded, to avail himself of the first occasion to call the attention of 
Congress and the people to the question of its re-charter. The opinions 
expressed in his annual message of December, 1829, were reiterated in those 
of December, 1830 and lb31; and in that of 1830 he threw out for considera- 
tion some suggestions in relation to a substitute. At the session of 1831-2, 



an ac'. was passed by a majority of both houses of congress re-chartering 
j the present bank, upon which the president felt it his duly to put his con- 
\ stitutional veto. In his uicssage returning that act he repeated and enlarged 



upon tlie principles and views briefly asserted in his annual messages, declar- 
ing the bank to be, in his opinion, both inexpedient and unconstitutional, 
and announcing to his countrymen, very unequivocally, his firm determina- 
tion never to sanction, by his approval, the continuance of that iottitution, 
or the establishment of any other upon similar principles. 



LIFE OF AIS'DRETV JACKSON. 181 

C There are stronij reasons fur believing tliat Oie motives of Uk; bank, 
in a^kiii)^ for a. re-cliaricr al tliat session of congress, »as to uiakt it a lead- 
ing question in the election of a president of the United States tlic ensuing 
Xovember, and all steps deemed n»>ce39ary were taken to procure from the 
peojde a reversal of i!»u presiUcut's decision. 

D. Allhriiigh thecharter was approaching its termination, and the bank 
was aware thnt it was the intention of the government to use the public 
dcpositcs, as f<i->l as they accrued, in the payment of liie public d« ht, yet it 
did extpnd its luans from January, 1831, to May, 183-2, from 42,400.304 dol- 
lar* to 70,4*id,07t) dollars, being an increase of 28,02.'j,766 dollars m six- 
teen months. It is confidently believed that the leading object of this im- 
mense extension of its loans was to bring a« large a portion of the people 
as])0ssible under its power and influence: and it has been disclosed that some 
of the larg>;st sums were granted on very unusual terms to conductors of the 
public press. In some of these cases the motive was made manifest by the 
nominal or insufficient security ta!;eu for the loans, by tl»e large amounts 
discounted, by the extraordinary time allowed for payment, and especially 
by the subsequent conduct of those receiving the aceommodation. 

E. Havin.; taken ihese preliminary steps to obtain control over public 
opinion, the bunk came into congress, and asked a new charter. The ob- 
ject avowcU by many of the advocates of the bank was to put the president 
to the test, that the country might know his final determination relative to 
the bank, prior to the ensuing election. Many documents and articles were 
printed and circulated al the expense of the bank, to bring the people to a 
favourable decision upon its pretensions. Those whom the bank appears to 
have made its debtors for the special occasions, were warned of the ruin 
which awaited them should the president be sustained, and attempts were 
made to alarm the whole jjeople, by painting the depression in the price of 
properly and produce, and the general loss, inconvenience, and distress, 
which it was represented would immediately follow the re-election of the 
president in opposition to the bank. 

F. Can it now be said that the question of a re-charter of the bank was 
not decided at the election which ensued.' Had the veto been equivocal, or 
had it not covered the wliole ground, — if it had merely taken exceptions to 
the details of the bill, or to the time of its passage, — if it had not met the 
whole ground of constitutionality and expediency, then there might have 
been some plausibility for the allegation that the question was not decided by 
the people. It was to compel the president to take his stand that the ques- 
tion was brought forward at that particular time. He met the challenge, 
willingly took the position into which his adversaries sought to force him; 
and iVankly declared his unalterable opp<j3ition to the bank, as being both 
unconstitutional and inexpedient. Oa that ground the case was argued to 
the peoj)le, and now tliat the people have sustained the president, notwith- 
standing the array of influence and power which was brought to bear upon 
him, it is too late, he confidently thinks, to say that the question has not been 
decided. Whatever may be the opinion of others, the president considers 
his re-election as a decision of the people against the bank. In the conclud- 
ing paragraph of this veto message he said — 

G. "1 have now done my duty to my country, Ifsustainedby my fellow- 
citizens, I shall be grateful and happy; if not, I shall tind in the motives which 
impel me ample grounds for contentment and peace." 

He was sustained by a just people, and he desires to evince his gratitude, 
by carrying into cflTect their decision, so far as it depends upon him. 

H. Of all the substitutes for the present bank which have been suggests 
ed, none seems to have united any considerable portion of the public in its 
favour. Most of them are liable to the same constitutional objections for 

16 



182 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOK» 

which the present bank has been condemned, and perhaps to all there jlre 
strong objections on tlie score ofexjiediency. In ridding the country of the 
irresponsible power which has attempted to control the povernnu-nt, care 
must be taken not to unite the same power with the executive branch. To 
give a president the control over the currency, and the power over individu- 
als now possessed by the Bank of the United States, even witii the material 
difference that he is responsible to the people, would be as objectionable and 
Bi dangerous as to leave it as it is. IVeitber the one nor the other is neces- 
sary, and therefore oufi;lit not to be resorted to. 

I. On the whole, the president considers it as conclusively settled tlat 
the charter of the Bank of the United States will not be renewed, and he 
has no reasonable ground to believe that any substitute will be estabiislied. 
Being bound to regulate hiscoursc by the laws as tlu y exist, and ni>t to anti- 
cipate tlie interference of the legislative power, fur the purpose of framing 
new systems, it is proper for him seasonably to consider the means by which 
the services rendered by the Bank of the United Stales are to be performed 
after its charter shall expire. 

K. The existing laws declare, that "the deposites of the money of the 
United States in places in which the said bank and branches thereof may 
be established, shall be made in said bank or branches thereof, unless the 
secretary of the treasury shall at any time otherwise order and direct, in 
which case the secretary of the treasury shall immediately lay before con- 
gress, if in session, and if not, immediately after the commenccmeut of tho 
next session, the reason of such order or direction." 

L. The power of the secretary of the treasury over the deposites is un- 
qualified. The provision that he shall report his reasons to congress is no li- 
mitation. Had it not been inserted, he would have been responsible to 
congress had he made a rcmoTal for any other than good reasons, and his re- 
sponsibility now ceases upon the rendition of sufficient ones to congres*. 
The only object of the provision is to make his reasons accessible to con- 
gress, arid enable that body the more readily to judge of their soundness and 
purity, and thereupon to make such further provision by law as the legisla- 
tive power may think proper in relation to the deposite of the public money. 
Those reasons'may be very diversified. It was asserted bv the secretary of 
the treasury, without contradiction, as early as 1817, that he had power "to 
control the proceedings" of the Bank of the United States at any moment, 
"by changing the deposites to the state banks, should it pursue an illiberal 
course towards those institutions;" that "the secretary of the trf asury will 
always be disposed to support th« credit of the state banks, and v. ill iiiTaria- 
bly direct transfers from the deposites of the public money in aid of their le 
gitimate exertions to maintain their credit;" and he asserted a right to cm- 
ploy the state banks when the Bank of the United States should refuse to re- 
ceive on deposite the notes of such state banks as the public interest requir- 
ed should be received in payment of the public dues. In several instances 
he did transfer the public deposites to state banks, in the immediate vicini- 
ty of branches, for reasons connected only with the safety of those banks, 
the public convenience, and the interests of the treasury. 

M. If it was lawful for Mr. Crawford, the secretary of the treasury at 
that time, to act on these principles, it will be diflicult to discover any sound 
reason against the application of similar principles in still stronger cases. 
And it is a matter of surprise that a power which, in the infancy of the bank, 
■was freely asserted as one of the ordinary and familiar duties of the secreta- 
ry of the treasury should now be gravely questioned, and attempts made to 
excite and alarm the public mind as if some new and unheard-of power was 
about to be usurped by the executive branch of the government. 

N. It is but a litte more than two years and a half to the termination of 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSOX. 183 

0>« charter of the prcaent bank. It is considered, as the decision of the 
<-ounli-j', that itfliallthen tease to exist, and no man, the president believes, 
has re?8Mi!able ground for etpeclatiou that any other bank of the United 
Slates will be creatf d by congress. To the treasury department is intrusted 
the e«fe keepinjr ami faithful application of t!>e public moneys. A plan of 
collcftion dideri nt from the pr« «cnt mirst, therefore, lie introduced and put 
in complete oprraticn before the dissolution of the pnsmt bank. When 
shall it be commenced.' Shall no step be taken in thii cfscntialconcern un- 
til the charter expires, and the treasury finds itself without an a^ent, its ac- 
counts in ci)rifiisi<in, with no depository for its funds, and the whole business 
of the g-ovemnicnt deratiged.' Or shill it be delayed until six months, or a 
year, or two years, before the expiration of the charter.'' it is obvious, that 
any new system which may be eulistituted in Ihe place of ttie Bank of the 
United Stales, could not he suddenly <'arricd int() effipct, on the termination 
of its existence, without serious inconvenifuce to the government and the 
people. Its vast amount of notes is then to be redeemed and withdrawn 
from circulation, and its immense debt collected. These operations must 
be gradual, otherwise much suffering and distress will be brought upon the 
community. It ought to be not a work of months only, but of years, iind 
the u'-esidcnt thinks it cannot, with due attention to the interests of the 
people, be longer postponed. It is safer to begiu it too soon th%i; to deUy 
It too long. 

O. It IS for the wisdom of congress to decide upon the best substitute to 
be adopted in the place of the Bank of the United Slates; and the president 
would have felt himself relieved from a heavy and painful responsibility if, 
in the charter to the bank, congress had reserved to itself the power of di- 
recting, at its pleasure, the public money to be elsewhere deposited, and 
had not devolved that power exclusively on one of the executive depart- 
ments. It is useless now to inquire why thishigh and important power was 
surrendered by those who are peculiarly and appropriately the guardians of 
the public money. Perhaps it was an oversight. But as the president presumes 
that the charter to the bank is to be considered asa contract on the part of 
the government, it is not now in the power of congress to disregard its sti- 
pulations; and by the terms of that contract tlie public money is to be de- 
posited in the bank during the continuance of its charter, unless the secre- 
tary of the treasury shall otherwise direct, l^nless, therefore, the secretary 
of the treasury first acts, congress have no power over the subject, for they 
cannot add a new clause to the charter, or strike one out of it, without the 
consent of the bank; and consequently the public money must remain in 
that institiitiou to the last hour of its existence, unless the secretary of the 
treasury shall remove it at an earlier day. The responsibility is thus 
thrown upon the executive branch of the government; ot deciding how long 
before the expiration of the charter the public interests will require the 
dcposites to be placed elsewhere; and althoui;h, according to the frame and 

triuciple of our government, this decision would seem more properly to 
elong to the legislative power, yet, as the law has imposed it upon the ex- 
ecutive department, the duty ought to be faithfully and firmly met, and the 
decision made and executed upon the best lights that can be obtained, and 
the best judgment that can be formed. It would ill become the executive 
branch of the government to shrink from any duty which the law imposes 
on it, to fix upon others the responsibility which justly belongs to itself. 

P. And while the president anxiously wishes to abstain from the exercise 
of doubtful powers, and to avoid all interference with the rights and duties 
of others, he must yet, with unshaken constancy, discharge his own obliga- 
tion*: and cannot allow himself to turn aside, in order to avoid any respon- 
sibility which the high trust with which he has b«en honoured requirct 



194 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

liJm to encounter; and It being tho duty of one of the executive depart- 
ments to decide, in the first instance, subject to thu future action of the le- 
gislative power, whetlur the pubUc deposites shall remain in the BanU of 
the United States uulil the end of its existence, or he witlidrawn some time 
before, the president lias felt himself bound to examine tlie ([uestiuu care- 
fully and deliberately, in order to make up his judduient on the subject; and 
in his opinion the near approach of llie terminalion of llie ciiarler, and the 
public considerations heretofore mentioned, are of themselves amply sufli- 
cieut to justify the removal of the deposites without reference to the con- 
duct of the bank, or their safety in its keeping. 

Q,. But in the con<luct of the hank may be found other reasons very im- 
perative in their character, and which require prompt action. Develop- 
ments have bffn made from time to time of its faithlessness as apul)licagent, 
its misapplication of public funds, its interference in elections, its eflorls by 
the machinery of committees to deprive the froveri|mcnt dirrcturs of a full 
knowledge of its concerns, and above all, its llaijrant misconduct as recently 
and unexpectedly disclostd in placino; all the funds of the bank, including 
the money of the government, at tne disposition of the president of the 
bank, as means of operating upon public opiuion and procuring anew char- 
ter, without refjuiring him to render a voucher for their disbursement. A 
brief reca,»itulation of the facts which justify these charges and which have 
come to the knowledge of the public and the president will, he thinks, re- 
move every reasonable doubt as to the course which it is now the duty of 
the president to pursue. 

R. We have seen, that in sixteen months, ending in May, 1833, the 
bank had extended its loans more than 2b,000,000 dollars, although it knew 
the government intended to appropriate most of its large deposites during 
that year in payment of the public debt. It was in May, lt<32, that its 
loans arrived at tlie maximum, and in the preceding March, so sensible was 
the bank that it would not be able to pay over the public deposites when it 
would be required by the government, that it commenced a secret negotia- 
tion, without the approbation or knowledge of the government, with the 
Bgenta, for about t2, 700, 000 dollars of the 3 per cent, stocks held in Hol- 
land, with a view of inducing them not to come forward for payment for 
one or more years after notice should be given by the treasury department. 
This arrangement would have enabled the bauk to keep and use during that 
time the public money set apart for the payment of these stocks. 

S. After this negotiation had commenced, the secrotary of the treasury 
informed the bank that it was his intention to pay off one-half of the 3 per 
cents, on the 1st of the succeeding July, which amounted to about 6,.500,0ll0 
dollars. The president of the bank, although the committee of investiga- 
tion was then looking into its affairs at I'hiladcl|diia, came immediately to 
Washington, and upon representing that the bank was desirous of accom- 
modating tlie importing merchants at New York (which it failed to do,) 
and undertaking to pay the interest itself, procured the consent of the secre- 
tary, after consulting with the president, to postpone^the payment imtil the 
succeeding 1st of October. 

T. Conscious that at the end of that quarter the bank would not be able 
to pay over the deposites, and that further indulgence was not to be expect- 
ed of the government, an agent was despatched to Engla7)d, secretly to 
negotiate with the holders ol the public debt in Europe, and induce them, 
by the offer of an equal or higher interest than that paid by the government, 
to hold back their claims for one year, during which the bank expected thus 
to retain the use of 5,000,000 dollars of public money, which the govern- 
ment should set apart for the payment of that debt. The agent made an 
arrangement on terms, in part, which were in direct violation of the charter 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. lS5 

«r the bank, and when some incidentB connected with this serrfi negotiation 
accidentally came to the knowledge of the jmblic and tlie goTenimeiit, then, 
and not belore, bo much of it as was palpably in violation of the charter was 
disavowed! A modification of the rest was attempted with the view of get- 
ting the certificates without payment of the money, and thus absolving the 
government from its liability to the holders. In this scheme the bank was 
partially successful, but to this day the certiticates of a portion of these 
stocks have not been paid, and the bank retains the use of the money. 

U. This effort to thwart the government in the payment of the public 
debt, that it might retain the public money to be used for their private in- 
terests, jiallialed by pretences notoriously uulbunded and insincere, would 
have justified the ijistant withdrawal of the public deposites. The negotia- 
tion itself rendered doubtful the ability ' f the bank to meet the demands of 
the treasury, and the misrepresentations by which it was attempted to be 
Justified, proved that no reliance could be placed upon its allegations. 

V. If the question of the removal of Iht- depo*itts presented itself to the 
executive in the same attitude that it appeared btlore the house of represen- 
tatives at their Inst session, their resolutimi in relation to the safety of the 
deposites would be entitled to more weiglit, although the decision of the 
question of removal has been confided oy law to anotlier department of the 
government But the question now occurs, attended by other circumstances 
j»nd new disclosures of the most serious import. It is true that in the mes- 
sage of the president, which produced this inquiry and resolution on the 
part of the house of representatives, it was his object to obtain the aid of 
that bo<ly in making a thorfnigh examination into tlie conduct and condition 
of the bank and its branches, in orderto enable the executive department to 
decide whether the public money was longer safe in its hands. The hmited 
power of the secretary of the treasury over the subject disabled him from 
making t]>e investigation as fully and satisfactorily as it could be done by a 
committee of the house of representatives, and hence the president desired 
the assistance of congress to obtain for the treasury department, a full 
knowledge of all the facts which were necessary to guide his judgment. But 
it was not his purpose, as the language of his message ^^ill show, to ask the 
representatives of the people to assume a resp<)nsibility which did not belong 
to them, and relieve the executive branch of the government from the duty 
which the law had imposed upon it. It is due to the president that his ob- 
ject in that proceeding should be distinctly understood, and that he should 
acquit himself of ail suspicion of seeking to escape from the performance of 
his own duties, or of desiring to interpose another body between himself and 
the people, in order to avoid a measure which he is called upon to meet. 
But although, as an act of justice to himsell', he disclaims any design of so- 
liciting the opinion of the house of representatives in relation to his own 
duties, in order to shelter himself from the responsibility under the sanction 
of their counsel, yet he is at all times ready to listen to the suggestions of the 
representatives of the people, whether given voluntarily or uj>on solicitation, 
and to consider them w ith the profound respect to which all will admit they 
are justly entitled. VV'hatever may be the consequences, however, to him- 
self, he must finally form his own judgment where the constitution and the 
law make it his duty to decide, and must act accordingly: and he is bound 
to suppose that such a course on his f>art w ill never be regarded by that ele- 
vated body as a mark of disrespect to itself, but that they will, on tlie con- 
trary, esteem it the strongest evidence he can give of his fixed resolution 
conscientiously to discharge his duty to them and the couutry. 

W. A new state of things has, however, ariseu since the close of the 
la»t session of congress, and evidence has since been laid before the presi- 
dent, which he is persuaded would have led the house of representatives to 
a different conclusion, if it had come to their knowledge. The fact that 
J 6* 



186 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the bank controls, and in some cases Bubstantially owns, and by fts money 
supports some or tlie kadiiig prcseus of the country, is now inure clearly 
established. Editors to whom it loaned extravagant sums in 18^1 and ISS^i, 
on unusual time and nominal security, have since turned out to lie insolvents; 
and to others, apparently in no better condition, accommodations still more 
extravagant, on terms more unusual, and sometimes without any security, 
have also been heedlessly granted. 

X. The allegation wliieh has so often circulated through these channels, 
that the treasury whs baulirupt, and the bank were sustaining it, wlitii for 
many years there lias not been less ou au average than six millions of i>ublic 
money in that institution, might be passed over as a harmless misrejiresenta- 
tion, but when it is attempted by substantial acts to impair the credit of the 
government, and tarnish the honour of the country, such charges require 
more serious attention. "With six millions of public money in its vaults, af- 
ter having had the use of fnmi five to twelve millions for nine years, without 
interest, it became the purchaser of a bill dr.iwn by our government on that 
of France for about 900,000 dollars, being tlie first instalment of the French 
indemnity. The purchase-money wash-It in the use of the bank, beingsim- 
ply addt;d to the treasury deposites. The bank sold the bill in England, and 
the holder sent it to France for collec.ion, and arrangements not having been 
made by the French government for its j)aynient, it was taken up by the 
agents of the bank in raris witli the funds of the bank in their hands. Un- 
der these circumstances it has, through its oigans, openly assailed the credit 
of the government; and has actually made, and persists in a demand of 15 
per cent., or 15,835,277 dollars as damages, when no damage or none bc- 
ond some trilling expense, has in fact been sustained; and when the bank 
lad in its own possession in deposite several millions of the public money, 
which it was then using for its own profit. Is a fiscal agent of the govern- 
ment, which thus seeks to enrich itself at the expense of the public, worthy 
of further trust.' 

Y. There are other important facts not in the contemplation of the house 
of representatives, or not known to the numbers at the lime they voted for 
the resolution. 

Z. Although the charter and the rules of the bank both declared that 
"not less than seven directors" shall be necessary to the transaction of busi- 
ness, yet the most important business, even that of granting discounts to any 
extent, is iulrusted to a committee of five members, who do not report to 
the board. 

a. To cut off all means of communication with the government in relation 
to its own most important acts, at the commencement of the present year, 
not one of the government directors was placed ou any one coininiltee; and 
although since, by an unusual remodelling of those bodies, some (jf those di- 
rectors have been placed on some of the committees, they are yet entirely 
excluded from the committee of exchange, through which the greatest and 
most objectionable loans have been made. 

b. When ihe government directors made an effort to bring back the 
business of ihe bank to the board, in obedience to the charter and the exist- 
ing regulations, the board not only overruled their attempt, but altered the 
rule, so as to make it conform to the practice, in direct violation of one of 
the most important provisions of the charier which gave them existence. 

c. It has long been known that the president of the bank by his single 
will originates and executes many of the most important measures coniiecied 
with the management and credit of the bank; and that the committee, as 
well as the board of directors, are left in entire ignorance of many acts 
done, and correspondence carried on, in their name, and apparently under 
their authority. The feet has been recently disclosed, that an unlimited 



f, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 187 

discredon hus been, and Is now, reetcd in the jiresMenl of the bank^ to ex- 
pend its funds in payment for preparing and circuluting ariicles, and !pur- 
chasing pamphlets and newspapers, calculated by their contents to operate 
on elections, and secure a renewal of its charter. It apptars from the offi- 
cial report of the public directors, that on the 30th of November, 1830, the 
president submitted to the board au article publithed in the ^Imerican 
(luiirterhj Review, containing favourable notices of the bank, and suggest- 
ing the expediency of giving it a wider circulation at tlie expense of the 
bank; whereupon the board passed the following rcsfilulion, viz: — 

d. '"RcsolTed, — That the jiresident be auhorised to take such measures in 
regard to the circulation of the contents of the said article, either in whole 
or in part, as he may deem most for the interest of the bank." 

e. By an entry of the minutes of the bank, dated March the 11th, 1831, it 
appears that the president had not only caused a large addition of that arti- 
cle to be issued, but had al«o, before the resolution of the .'JOth of November 
was adopted, procured to be printed and widely circulated numerous copies 
of the reports of General Smith and Air. M'UuITk' in favour of the bank, 
and on that day he suggested the expediency uf extending his power to the 
printing of other articles which might subserve the purpose of the institu- 
tion. Whereupon the following resolutinQ was adopted, vit — 

f. "Resolved,— That the president is hereby authorised to cause to be 
prepared and circulated such documents and papirs as may communicate to 
the people information iu regard to ilie nature and opt rations of the banjf." 

g. The expenditure pur]K)rtiiig to have been maile under authority of 
these rcsidutious, during the years 1831 and 18 '2, were about 80,000 dollars. 
P"or a portion of these expenditures vouchers w<re rend< red. from which it 
appears that they were incurred in the purchase uf some hundred thousand 
copies of newspapers, reports of, and speeches niad«' iu congress, reviews of 
the veto message, and reviews of speeclies agaiimt ihe bank, &.C. For an- 
other large portion no vouchers wiiatever were rendered, but the various 
gums were paid on orders of the president of the Lank, making reference to 
the resolutions of the 1 1th of March. 1831. 

h. On ascertainiiii; these farts, and perceiving tliat expenditures of a si- 
milar character were still continued, the governinenl directors a tew weeks 
ago offered a resolution to the board calling for a specific account of these 
expenditures, showing the objects to which they h;\d been applied, and the 
persons to whom the money had been jjaid. This rtasouable proposition 
was Toted down. 

i. They also offered a resolution, rescinding the resolutions of November. 
1830, and March, 1831. This was also rejected. 

j. Not content with thu< refusing to recall the obnoxious power, or even 
to require such an account of the txp«nditure as would show whether the 
money of the bank had, in fact, been applied to the objects contemplated by 
those resolutions, as obnoxious as they were, the board renewed the power 
already conferred, and even enjoined renewed attention to its exercise, by 
adopting the following in lieu of the proposition submitted by the govern- 
Rient directors: — 

k. "Resolved, — That the board have confidence in the wisdom and integ- 
rity of the president, and iu the propriety ol the resolutions of the 30th of 
November, 1830, and the lllh of March,' 1831, and entertain n full convic- 
tion of the necessity of a renowed atlenliou to the object of tliose resolutions, 
and that the president be authorized and requested to continue his exertions 
for the promotion of the said object." 

1. Taken in connection with the nature o 1 the expenditures heretofore 
made, as recently disclosed, which the board not only tolerate but :ipprove, 
this resolution puts the funds of the bank at the disposition of the president, 



188 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

for (he piirpote of employing the whol** prrssof tlie coiuilry in the serrice 
of the bank, to hire writi-r* and ncwspaptTs, and to pay out such gums as he 
pleases, to what persons and for what services he pleases, without the re- 
sponsibility of rendering any specific account. The bank is thus converted 
into a vast electioneering engine, with means to embroil the country in 
deadly feuds, and, under cover dI expt nditures in thumsclves improper, ex- 
tend it! corruption thrT)ugh all the ramitications of society, 

m. Some ol tlic items tor which accounts have been rendered, show the 
construction which has been given to the resolutions, and the way in which 
the power it conf rs has been exerted. The money has not been expended 
merely in (he publication and distribution of spe«ches, reports of commit- 
tees, and of articles written for the purpose of showing the constitutionality 
or usefulness of the bank. Publications have been prepared and extensively 
circulated, containing the grossest invectives against the otliccrs of the gov- 
ernment; and the money which belongs to (he stockholders and to the pub- 
lic has been freely applied in efforts to degrade in public estimation those wlio 
were supposed to be instrumental in resisting the wishes of this grasping and 
dangerous institution. As the president o( the bank has not been required 
to settle his accounts, no one but himself yet knows how much more than the 
sum already mentioned may have been squandered, and for which a cre- 
dit may hereafter be claimed in his account, under this most extraordina- 
ry resolution. With these facts before us, can we be surprised at the torrent 
of abuse incessantly poured out against all who are supposed (o staud in the 
way of the cupidity or ambition of the Bank of the United States.'' Can we 
be surprised at sudden aiid unex])ectcd changes of opinion in favour of an in- 
stitution which has milliono to lavish, and avows its determination not to 
spare its means when t)if y are necessary to accomi)lish its purposes.'' The 
refusal to render an accnuni of the manner in which a part of the money ex- 
pended has been, applied, gives just cause for the suspicion that it has been 
used for purp^jses which it is not deemed prudent to expose to the eyes of 
an intelligent and virtuous people. Those who act justly do not shun the 
light, nor do they refuse explanations when the propriety of their conduct is 
brought into question. 

n. \Vith these facts before him, in an official report from the government 
directors, the president would (eel that he is not only responsible for all the 
abuses and corruptions the bank has committed, or may commit, but almost 
an accomplice in a conspiracy against that government which he had sworn 
honestly to administer, if he did not take every step within his constitutional 
and leg-al power, likely to be efficient in putting an end to these enormities. 
If it be possible, withiu the scope of human affairs, to find a reason for re- 
moving the government deposites, and leaving the bank to its own resources 
for the means of efftcting its criminal designs, we have it here. Was it ex- 
pected, when the moneys of ihe United States were directed to be placed in 
that bank, that they would be put under the control of one man, empowered 
to spend millions without rendering a voucher or specifying the object.' 
Can they be considered sale, with the evidence before us, that lens of thou- 
sands have been spent for highly impro[)cr, if not corrupt purposes, and (hat 
the same motive may lead to the expenditure of hundreds of thousands, and 
even millions more.' And can we justify ourselves to the people by longer 
lending to it the money and power of the government, to be employed (or 
such purposes.' 

o. Jt has been alleged by some as an objection to the removal of the depos- 
ites, that the bank has the power, and in that event will have the disposition, 
to destroy the state banks employed by tlie government, and bring distress 
upon the country. It has been the fortune of the president to encounter dan- 
jijBTt which were represented as equally alarming, and he has seen them van- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 189 

isli before rejolutlon and energy. Pictures equally appalMug were wirackd 
before him wheu tliis bank came to demand a new charter. But -what was 
the result? Has the country bien ruined, or even distressed? Was it ever 
more prosperous than since that act? The president verily believes the bank 
has not the power to produce the calamities its friends threaten. The funds 
of ihe government will not be annihilated by bein^ transferred; thev will 
immediately be issued for the l)eiicfit of trade, and it the Bank of the Lnited 
States curtails its loans, the state banks, strengthened by the public depos- 
ites, will extend theirs. What comes in through one bank will go out 
through others, and the equilibrium will be preserved. Should tl>e bank, 
for the mere purpose of producing distress, press its debtors more h«_«Tily 
than some of them can bear, the consequences will recoil upon itself, and 
in the attemi)ts to embarrass the country, it will only bring loss and ruin np- 
on the holders of its own stock. But if the president believed the bank pos- 
sessed all the power which has been attributed to t, his dcterminatioa 
would only be rendered Ihe more inflexible. If. indeed, this corporation 
now holds in its hands the happiness and proiperity of the American people, 
it is high time to take the alarm. If the despotism be already upon us, and 
our only s;ifety is in the nurry of the de«pot, recent developments in relati.m 
to his designs and the means he employs show how necessary it is to shake 
it .iff. The struggle can never come with less distress to the people, or un- 
der more favourable auspices, than at the present momen*. 

p. All doubt as to the willingness of the state banks to undrrtake the ser- 
vice of llie government, to the same extent, and on the lame terms, as it is 
now performed by the Bank of the United States, is put to rest by the re- 
port of the agent recently employed to collect information; and Irom that 
willingness their own safety in the operation may be confidently inferred. 
Knowing their own resources better than they can be known by others, it 
is not to be supposed that they would be willing to place themselves in a sit- 
uation which they cannot occupy without danger of annihilation or embar- 
rassment. The only consideration applies to the safety of the public funds, 
if deposited iu those institutions. And wiien it is seen that Ihe directors of 
many of them are not only willing to pledge the character and capital of the 
corporations in giving success to this measure, but also their own property 
and reputation, we cannot doubt that they, at least, believe llie nublic depos- 
ites would be safe in their management. The prrsident thinks that these 
facts and circumstances afford as strong a guarantee as can be had in human 
affairs for the safety of tlic public funds, and the prarti( ability of a new sys- 
tem of collection and disbursement through the agency of the state l)anks. 

q. From all these considerations, the presiilent thinks that the state banks 
ought immediately to be employed in the collection and disbursement of the 
public revenue, and the funds now in the Bank of the United Slates drawn 
out with all convenient despatch. The safety of the public moneys, if depo- 
sited in the state banks, must be secured beyond all reasonable doubts; but 
the extent and nature of the security, in addition to their capital, if any be 
deemed necessary, is a subject of detail to which the treasury department 
will undoubtedly give its anxious attention. The banks to be employed must 
remit the moneys of the government without charge, as the Bank of the 
United States now does; must render all the services wliich tliat bank now 
performs; must keep the government advised of their situation by periodical 
returns; in fine, with any arrangement with the state banks, the govern- 
ment must not, in any respect, be placed on a worse footing than it now is. 
The president is happy to perceive, by the report of the agent, that the 
banks which he has consulted have in general consented to perform Ihe ser- 
vice on these terms, and that those iu New- York have further agreed to make 



190 LIFE or ANDREW JACKSON. 

pajmenta in Lonikm without other chargs than th« inert co«t of the bills tif 
nc'hangf. 

r. It should also be enjoined on any banks which may be employed, that 
it will he expected of them to facilitate domestic exchanges for the benefit of 
internal commerce; to prant all reasonable lacilities to tlie payers of the reve- 
nue; to exercise the utmost liberality towards the other state banks; and to 
do nothing uselessly to embarrass the Bank of the United States. 

8. As one o( the most serious objections to the Bank of the United Slates 
is the power which it concentrates, care must be taken, in finding other 
agents for the service of lh«- treasury, not to raise up another power eiji^ally 
formidable. Although it would probably be impossible to produce such a 
result by any oreranization of the slate banks which could be devised, yet it is 
desirable to avol^d evcM the appearance. To this end it would be expedient 
to assume no more power over them, and iiiterlere no more in their affairs 
than might be absolutely necessary to the security of the public deposites, 
and the faithful performance of their duties as agents to the treasury. Any 
interference by them in the prditical contests of the country, with a view to 
influence elections, ought, in the opinion of the president, to be followed by 
an immediate discharge from the public service. 

t. it is the desire of the president thai the control of the banks and the 
currency shall, as far as possible, be entirely separated from the j)olitical 
. power of the country, as well as wrested from au institution which hsn* al- 
ready attempted to subject the government to its will. In his opinion, the 
action of the general government on this subject ought not to extend beyond 
the grant in the constitution, which only authorizes congress ''to coin money 
and regulate the value thereof;" all else belongs to the states and the people, 
and must be regulated by public opinion and the interests of trade. 

u. In conclusion, the president must be permitted to remark that he looks 
upon the pending question as of higher consideration than the mere transfer 
of a sum of money from one bank to another. Its decision may affect the 
character of our government for ages to come. Should the bank be suf- 
fered longer to use the public moneys in the accomplishment of its purposes, 
with the proofs of its faithlesmess and corruption before our eyes, the patri- 
otic among our citizens will despair of success in struggling against ita 
power, and we shall be responsible for entailing it upon our country for 
ever. Viewing it as a question of transceudant importance, both in the 
principles and consequences it involves, the president could not, in justice 
to the responsibiliiy which he owes to the country, refrain from pressing 
upon the secretary of the treasury his view of the considerations which im- 
pel to immediate action. Upon him has been devolved, by the constitution 
and the suffrages of the American people, the duty of superintending the 
operation of the executive departments of the government, and seeing that 
the laws are faithfully executed. 

V. In the performance of this high trust, it is his undoubted right to ex 
press to those whom the laws and his own choice have made his associate* 
in the administration of the government, his opinion of their diitieSj under 
bircumstances as they arise. It is this right which he now exercises. Far 
he it Irom me to expect or require that any member of the cabinet should, at 
his request, order, or dictation, do any act which he believes unlawful, or in 
his conscience condemns. F'rom them, and from his fellow citizens in gene- 
ral, he desires only that aid and support which their reason approves and 
their conscience sanctions. 

w. In the remarks he has made on this all-important question, he trusts 
the secretary of the tr-easury will see only the I'rank and respectful deelara- 
tions'of the opinions which the pfesideni has formed on a measure of great 
natonal interest deeply affeeting the character and usefulness of his adpiin-, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 191 

ivtretion; and not a tpirit of dictation, which the president would be as 
careful to avoid as ready to resist. Happy will he be if the facts now dis- 
closed produce unifoimity of opinion and unity of action among the memberi 
of the administration. 

X. The president again repeats, that he begs his cabinet tn consider the 
proposed measure as bis own, in the support of which he shall require no 
one of them to make a sacrifice of opinion or principle. It« resf>ousibility 
has born assumed, after the lO'iSt mature deliberation and reflection, as ne- 
cessary to preserve the morals of the ppople, the freedom of l)ie press, and 
the |)urity of the elective fraiiclii.'.e, witliout which all will unite in saying 
thnt the blood and treasure expended by our forefathers in the esiablish- 
meut of our happy system of ^ovrrumcnt, will have betn rain and fruitless. 
Under these convictions, he feels that a measure so important to the Ameri- 
can people cannot be commenced too soon, and he therefore names the lit 
day of October next as a period proptr for the change of the deposites, or 
80'>n*>r, provided the necessary arrangements with the state bank." can b« 
made. ANDREW JACKSON. 



191. When the Congress met in November, 1833» 
he announced to tliein his determination to pursue 
the course marked out in this letter to his cabinet. 
Every one knew the effect that that course must 
produce. The Bank of the United States had in cir- 
culation notes to the amount of nearly 70,428,070 
dollars; for it had, as we see in the cabinet letter, 
extended its issues by 28 millions of dollars, in ad- 
dition to what it liad out before it prepared for the 
struggle against the president. Before that, it had 
out notes to the amount of 42,402,304 dollars. Be- 
tween January , 1831, and May, 1832, it put out an 
additional 28,025,770 dollars tiiough the bank had 
been apprized that it was the intention of the govern- 
ment to apply the deposites as fast as possible to 
clear off the remainder of the public debt. Thisadditi- 
onal 28,000,000 were applieil to the hiring of news- 
papers by the means of discounts; to the bribing of 
needy men in every direction; and to the giving of 
extraordinary time for the payment of the notes lent 
for this refarious purpose. The parties thus bor- 
rowing of the bank saw ruin starting them in the face 
i£ the charter were not renewed; and this made them 



192 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

intrigue and work in all sorts of ways, to prevent the 
re-election of the president, because if he were re- 
elected the charter would not be renewed. If, how- 
ever, the president were elected, perilous indeed 
was the state of the bank; for, with its immense 
issues, it would be utterly unable to give up the de- 
posites to enable the nation to pay off its debt. By 
a reference to paragraphs r, s, t, and u, of the letter, 
the reader will see the nature of the nefarious tran- 
saction wliich the bank resorted to in conjunction 
with its allies in England; and he will see how ne- 
cessary it was, even for the support of the independ- 
ence of the country, that a man like this should be 
placed at the head of its affairs. 

192. It will bo easily imagined, that the re-elec- 
tion of the president (in the fall of 1832), which, let 
it be observed, expressed decidely the opinion of 
the people in support of his views as to the bank; 
it will be easily imagined what confusion this must 
have created m the camp of the paper-money ma- 
kers. That confusion extended itself into every 
part of the union instantly: for that system of 
having "branch banks," which has been imitated by 
our big bank in England, had placed the whole 
country under the command of the big bank in 
America. The strife at the election was prodigious; 
but the industrious part of the community, long op- 
pressed by the crafty robbery of the banks, had the 
sense to perceive, that to be delivered from this 
worst of tyranny they must stand by the president; 
they had the virtue to stand by him, and their efforts 
were crowned with success. 

193. At the time appointed by himself, here- 
moved the deposites from the bank; that is to say 
in the month of October, 1833; the bank was com- 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 193 

polled to draw in its issues; compelled to withhokl 
its discounts; its branches were compelled to do the 
same; and the consequence had been, bankruptcies 
all over the country; a tremenduous bursting ol tiie 
bubble, a return, in great part already, to hard mo- 
ney; a sweeping away of banks, bankers, and 
clerks: a cessation of the robbery of the Indus- 
trious and of sustaining innumerable idlers upon the 
fruit of their toil. Our intelligence comes down to 
the IGth of Februury, 1834, at which time numerous 
deputations and delegations of merchants, of manu- 
facturers, of master mechanics, had been to the presi- 
dent to supplicate a relaxation of liis determination 
and proceedings. To all ho has given the uniform 
answer, that the happiness of his country: the preser- 
vation of its constitution and its liberties, its indepen- 
dence of foreign nations, command him to persevere; 
and that to persevere he is determined, and that 
nothing upon earth shall make him alter that deter- 
(nination. 

11) 1. In England it was said, and generally be- 
lieved, from the month of November last until very 
recently(March, 1831), that he would be induced or 
compelled to yield. Knowing the monster with 
which he had to contend, I myself had fears upon 
the subject; but I had not then read that account of 
his life which I now have read; and an abridgment 
and remoulding of which I now submit to my own 
countrymen. If I had read tiiat lile before, I should 
have had no fear at all; and by whomsoever that life 
shall be read, not a shadow of doubt can be enter- 
tiined that the president will never cease his efforts 
till he has totally suppressed that fraudulent, that 
robbing, that accursed paper-money, which has 
steeped England in her present troubles, and her 
17 



194 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

more than half revolution, and which would, in a 
short time, in a very few years, have compelled the 
United States to resort to another revolution, or to 
have abandoned and levelled with the earth every 
institution and every law which have been made for 
the purpose of preserving the independence and the 
liberties of the country. 

PERSON AND CHARACTER OF THE 
PRESIDENT. 

195. We are naturally curious to know some- 
thing about the mere person of a man who has 
pertbrmed such wonderlul exploits. Philosophers 
may say what they will about the man consisting 
solely of the mind. Human nature will nol have 
it so. It will, in spile of philosophers^ give a 
ji,ood deal of weight to the person by whom a thing 
is done. Jackson has this advantage also. His 
friend and brother senator, and neighbour, Mr. 
Eaton, tells us, that he has nothing of the robust 
or the elegant; that he is six feet and an inch 
high; that he is remarkably straight and spare; 
that he weighs not more than a hundred and 
forty-five pounds (what a poor thing compared to 
our George the Fourth!); that his conformation 
appears to disqualify him for hardship; that, how- 
ever, accustomed to it from early life, few are ca- 
pable of enduring so much fatigue, or with so lit- 
tle injury; that his dark-blue eyes, beneath his 
high and broad forehead, and loaded with brows 
somewhat heavy, when excited by any cause, 
sparkle with peculiar lustre of penetration; that in 
his manners he is pleasing, while his address is 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 195 

commanding; that in his deportment he is easy, 
affable, and lhn)iliar; that during his whole life it 
has been his study to honour merit, find it in 
whom he might; that honest poverty has always 
been respected by him, while he has turned his 
back on dishonest wealth; that lie was never 
known to discover the existence of distress with- 
out seekinfj to assist and to relieve it; that no^ 
man ever saw him irritated on account of a sel- 
fish purpose; and that no man ever saw his bo- 
som swell with rage or with anger, except against 
the enemies of his country, open o^" secret. 

Wm. cobbett. 



POSTSCRIPT. 

197. I thouglu I had, in the dedication or the 
prelace, done justice to the Irish people, relative 
to the deeds of this famous man, who sprang from 
among them. But, having since looked into the 
peerage of Packenham, and finding what he was, 
what honours had been heaped upon him, who 
died in the midst of disgrace unparalleled; for all 
the disgrace was his, as all the honour would have 
been his. The valour that takes a man up to an 
intrenchment, or makes him the first to enter a 
breach, is of a character not a thousandth part 
equal to that of a bulldog. Many hundreds of 
his soldiers went nearer to the mouths of the 
American muskets than he did: it is the valour 
which discovers itself in cool moments and day- 
afler-day reflections, and comes, at last, to con- 
.clusioiis, such as are in so many^ many instances, 



19G LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

recorded of this famous American general. My 
readers have seen wiih what dclio-ht I have re- 
corded the triumphs of this man. First, for liis 
own sake: secondly, because he is descended im- 
mediately from ])Oor Irish parents: third iy, be- 
cause he was so basely and infamously treated by 
British officers, at the early part of the American 
revolutionary war: but, above all things because 
he sprang immediately from poor Irish parents. 
The circumstances stated by me relative to this 
mutter are very striking; but, until I saw the peer- 
age of the antagonist whom he laid sprawling 
u})on the ground, — until I saw this peerage, this 
bragging, this boasting pecra^'^e, I had not the 
means of making the contrast so striking as it 
ought to be made. Let us take him, then, as he 
is described by the heralds of his family, copied 
from the peerage itself. It is a thing for eternal 
laughter: a thing which every democrat should 
liave about him, and when he has read it, he will 
not forget to exclaim, "All this was smashed to 
pieces in a moment by the son of poor Irish emi- 
grant parents, the mother of whom had urged t!iis 
son to avenge the cause of Ireland." 

198. I will now insert from the peerage, and 
when I have done that, 1 shall have some re- 
marks lo add. 

199. "William de Pakenham was resident at 
Pakenham, co. Suffolk, temp. Edward I., his el- 
dest son, Sir Edmund Pakenham, ?/i., temp. Ed- 
ward II., Rose daughter and co-heir of Robert de 
Valines, from whom descended Sir Hugh Paken- 
ham, who d. temp. Henry VII., leaving issue, I. 
Sir .lohn Pakenham, whose only daujihler and sole 
iieir, Constance, carried the estate of Lordington, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 197 

CO. Sussex, to her husband Sir Geoffrey de la 
Pole, kniaht, second son of Sir Richard de la 
Pole, K. G., by INInrgaret Planta^enet, Countess 
of Salisbury, only dauahter of Geome, Duke of 
Clarence, brother to Edward IV.; XJ. Nicholas, 
ancestor of the Earls of Longford; 3. Anne, m. 
Sir William Sydney, knight banneret, by whom 
she was mother of Sir Henry Sydney, K. G., Lord 
Deputy of Ireland. Sir Edward Pakenharn, knt., 
grandson of Nicholas, accompanied his cousin, 
Sir Henry Sydney, to Ireland, 1570, whose grand- 
son, Henry Pakeuhnm, was seated at Pakenham 
Hall, CO. Weslmcalh, tcjnp. Charles 11., and was 
father of Sir Tluunas Pakenham, krit , of Paken- 
ham Hall, prime serjeant at law, 1696, whose son 
and heir, Edward Pakenham, of Pakenham Hall, 
knight of the shire, co. Westmcath, 1713, was fa- 
ther of 

200. "Thomas Pakenham, 1st lord, b. May, 1713, 
m., March 5, 1739, Elizabeth, sole heiress of Mi- 
chael Culfe, Esq., nepliew and heir of Ambrose 
Aungier, last earl of Loncrfurd, and in right of his 
wife was created, 1756, baron of Lungjord, and 
had issue by her (who was created July 5, 1765, 
countess of Longford), 1. Edward- Michael, 2d 
lord; 2. Robert, in the army, who d, unm., 1775; 
3. William, d. young; 4. Thomas, b. 1757, an ad- 
miral of the white, tu. 1785, Louisa, daughter of 
the right hon. John Staples, and has issue six sons 
and four daughters; 5. Elizabeth, i. 174-2; 6. Fran- 
ces, w. June, 1776, John Ormsby Vandeleur, Esq., 
and d. 1779, leaving issue; 7. Helena, m. June, 
1769, William Sherlock, of Sherlock's-town, Esq.. 
and d, 1774, leaving issue by him (who d. 1788) 
17* 



198 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Mary, m. 1770, Thomas Fortescne, Esq., and (/, 

1775, leaving issue. His lordsliij) d. A\m\ 20, 

1776, and was succeeded by liis son. 

201. "Edward- Michael, 2d lord, b. April 1, 
1743, m., June 25, 176S, Catharine, 2d daughter 
of the Right Hon. Flercules-Longford Rowley, 
by Elizabeth, viscountess Longford, and by her 
(who rf. March ]2, 181G) had issue, 1. Thomas, 
present earl; 2. Sir Edward Michael, G. C. jB., 
major-general in the army, and colonel Gth West 
India regiment, who, Nov. 8. 1813, received the 
unanimous thanks of both houses of Parliament for 
the valour, steadiness, and exertion so success- 
fully displayed by him, in repelling the repeated 
attacks made on the positions of the allied army 
by the whole of the French force under the com- 
mand of Marshal Soult, between the 25th of July 
and 1st of August: b. March 19, 1778, killed in 
action near New-Orleans, in America, Jan. 8, 
1815, to whose memory a monument is erected in 
the cathedral of St. Paul's, at the public expense; 
3. Hercules-Robert, C. B., b. Sept. 29, 1781, 
lieut. -colonel in the army, severely wounded at 
Badajos, 1812, m., Dec. 1817, Emily Stapleton, 
daughter of Thomas, Lord Le Despencer; 4. 
William, b. Sept. 20, 1762, captain II. N., who 
was unfortunately drowned in his majesty's frigate 
.Saldana, near Lough Swilly, Ireland, Dec. 4. 1811; 
6. Henry in holy orders, b. Aug. 23, 1787; 6. Eli- 
zabeth, b. Sept. 17G9; m. Henry Stewart, Esq.; 7. 
Mary, d. 1787; 8. Catharine m., April 10, 1806, 
field-marshal Arthur, Duke of Wellington, K. G., 
K. T. S., and K. F„ brother to Richard, Marquis 
of Wellesley, K. G., K. C, and K. L. S. (see 
Duke of WellinQion, in the Peerage of England, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. l99 

and Marquis of Wdlesley, in the Peerage af Ire- 
land); 9. Helen; 10. Caroline-Penelope. His 
lordsliip d. June 3, 1792, when his son, 

20'2. ''TJiomas succeeded to the barony, and on 
the death of his grandmother, January, 1791, he 
succeeded to the earldom, and is the present 
peer. 

203. Heir-apparent — Lord Pakenham, the carl's 
only son. 

201. Creations — Baron Pakenham, 1756; Earl, 
June 20, 1765. 

205. "INIotto — Gloria virtutis umbra — Glory is 
the shadow of virtue.'' 

206. Here is a pretty story : here is a rigmarole; 
this is the sort of way in which the bsac part of 
mankind are held in subjection. Here is as great 
a piece of work in recording the lineage of this 
gang of people, as if each individual of them had 
})crformed exploits equal to those of Jackson. — 
VVhy, it must give one pleasure; it must fill one 
with delight to see such contemptible rubbish 
brought to the test, and to be proved to be not 
worth a straw. We see here that our particular 
hero had received the unanimous thanks of the 
House of Commons. And for what was it? For 
his valour, &,c. in repelling repeated attacks made 
on the positions of the allied army. This is a 
very unsatisfactory description. Here is no deed 
done; no strong place captured; no army beaten, 
but merely attacks repelled. Very doubtful words; 
and a pretty House of Commons it must have been, 
to have voted its unanimous thanks to a man upon 
grounds so very equivocal; and, indeed, who does 
not perceive that if he had been the son of a com- 
mon man, he would have had no thanks at all? — 



200 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

Yes, yes; the ^'French force;'' he could do very 
well with the French force; but it was another mat- 
ter when he came to do with an American force, 
though it was only about a seventh part of his own. 
207. Mark, too, the curious way in which his 
death is mentioned; "Killed in action, near New- 
Orleans, in America, January 8th, 1815, to whose 
memory a monument is erected in the cathedral 
of St. Paul, at the public expense." Now ob- 
serve, first that you do not know whether he was 
commander or not; second, whether those on his 
side were the victors or not; third, whether it was 
a battle fought for the purpose of taking New-Or- 
leans or for defending it, or whether it was for any 
other object; but taking into view the fact imme- 
diately following, thathe had a monument erected 
immediately to his memory in St. J^aul's, at the 
public expense, and is there one single man in 
this world, who, being unacquainted with the facts, 
would not believe that he lost his life in the arms 
of victory in a battle which happened to take place 
near the city of New-Orleans, in America. Thus 
it is that the people of England have been basely 
betrayed and insulted and cheated. Not one man 
in ten thousand, or in fifty thousand, knows to 
this day that this Packenham was selected for this 
enterprise; that the army and the navy were all 
ready long before his arrival; that they waited for 
that arrival to begin operations; that the force was 
so great, the supplies so large, so superabundant 
in every respect; an outfit costing wore than amiU 
lion of money, and this for the double object of car- 
rying the city, and puffing Packenhamjinto a lord. 
And what did he do when he got there? The very 
things that Jackson wanted him to do; and, at last, 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 201 

after having given Jackson one specimen of his 
ability at assanlling, he really put all to the hazard 
of an assault, but, curious to relate, not one hour 
before Jackson was perfectly ready for him. He 
had inlelligence cojibtantly from the city: he 
knew precisely the situation of Jackson: he knew 
that Ins whole force, his whole alliance was but 
about three thousand men, armed with muskets 
and rilles. He was duly apprised that these men 
were stationed behind a parapet of bags of cotton 
and of barrels of sugar and ol flour, but particular- 
ly the former: he could sec with his glasses the 
cotton-bales, as plainly as I can see this paper: he 
knew that rifles were behind then*; and he had the 
stupidity to believe that the Yankees would run 
away at the approach of his glittering army, and 
leave that army to vault over the cotton-bags. — 
Common j-ense dictated to him to erect batteries, 
and to tear away at the parapet; to annoy, to fa- 
tigue, to exhaust; to lake the chances of successful 
rebellion against Jackson; at any rale, there was 
one thinj;; which was downright madness, and that 
was what he did. To march up in columns, close 
to the cotton-bags, carry scaling ladders to climb 
up uilh, and to imagine that he was, in the face of 
those Yankees, thus froinir to set over those cot- 
ton-bags. Every man of common sense must 
have known, that certain death would come pour- 
ing over those cotton-bags. When the columns 
approached, all was still on Jackson's side of the 
cotlon-baors: not a shot was fired: not the smallest 
demonstration of resistance shown: the columns 
marched up to within a few yards of the edge of 
the ditch: then came the bullets: then came the 
buck-shot: then came the destructive contents of 



202 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

the rifles; and the plain was instantly covered with 
the dead. Jackson had more men than he had 
rifles and muskets. Those who had no arms 
loaded for those who had arms; so that the fire 
was one incessant volley; and out of the four gen- 
erals, the chief fell dead, and two others were 
dangerously wounded. I dare say that the mo- 
ment Jackson saw those columns marching over 
the plain to come up to his parapet, that he felt as 
sure of the result as he did after it had taken place. 
This was a something to make the nation pay for 
a monument for this man, and in St. Paul's too. — 
But it is no matter if a commander belongs to any 
of these people, beaten or not beaten, so that he 
die, he is sure to have a monument to his memory 
at the people's expense, in order to keep up the 
blaze of these families. It was well for this poor 
fellow that he was killed: if he could have made 
shift to hobble off with his beating, 1 liave no ques- 
tion that he would have had the thanks of the 
House of Commons, as I believe Cockburn had, 
for his work on the coast of Virginia. 

208. Burke called nobility "the cheap defence 
of nations." Look at our half-pay list; look at our 
pension-list; look at the retired-allowance list; look 
at this very family of Packenham. We find that 
this man had nine brothers and sisters; one a lieu- 
tenant-colonel in the army; one a captain in the 
navy; one in the church: so far for the men; and 
as to the women, I could be bound to find them 
all out if I had time; but we know that one of 
them was the wife of Wellington. A pretty dear- 
ish defence of nations, I should think, all this. — 
But, not to waste any more words upon the sub- 
ject, here we have all this swaggering nobility, this 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 203 

hunting down from " William de Pakenhajn,^' inthe 
time of Edward the First to the present time; and 
only think of their publishing their mottoes: ''Glo- 
ria virtutis umbra,'" that is to say, "G/ory is the 
shadow of virtue;" a saying which we can hardly 
understand the meaning of; but the more sense- 
less, the more it excites the cogitating wonder- 
ment of stupid and ba«e people. When a public 
robber oreis into a carriajie with three or four Latin 
words written on it, and with the other insignia 
which he chooses to have put, all the ba?e part of 
the people, and that is not a small part, look upon 
him as something or other a wonderral deal better 
than themselves. Now, unless this fcelincr be 
changed: unless the people be cured of this base- 
ness, nothing that can be done by men, even tlie 
most able, and industrious, and zealous, will ever 
render thorn better ofi' than they row are. How- 
ever, tliat which I have here exhilnted will do real 
good in America; it will fnake the jjeople there re- 
solve to guard against all the crafty and subtle ap- 
proaches of aristocracy, which h:is always been 
begun by suffering wealth to be drawn into a small 
number of hands. When once that is done, then 
the titling work begins, and then come all the cur- 
ses under which we are now labourinsf. I shall 
be told that I have always been an advocate for a 
government of king, lords, and commons, and for 
bishops seated among the lords. Now, this is 
very true; and my argument always has been that 
those things could not be bad in their nature, along 
with which co-existed such wise and just laws; so 
much freedom, so much pov.'er, possesssed by so 
comparatively small a country; and such an im- 
mense mass of national resources of all sorts, 



304 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

together with a degree of reputation for integrity, 
frankness, and all public virtue, never surpassed 
by any otlier nation, and, indeed, never any thing 
like equalled. 

209. Well, then, ought you not to cherish these 
orders now? Are they not what tlicy always were? 
Have wc not still dukes, marquises, earls, just as in 

the of ? Stop: yes, my friend, 

we have dukes, marquises, earls, and so forth still; 
but those that we have now arc no more like those 
in former times, than a French crab is like a New- 
town pipin; or than a Catherine peach (many degrees 
baser than a white turnip), is like a French mignon 
or an early Moniauhan. A peach is a peach; and 
as words, mere words, are quite sullicient for the 
more numerous and baser part of mankind, to keep 
the word is all that has been thought necessary. 

210. Well, but in lohat do the ])resent lords differ 
from the lords of former times! In, every thing; ex- 
cept in the shape of their bodies, and the manner of 
receiving their nutriment, though even in this latter 
I do not know that I am not admitting too much. 
The people of England, when called out in the wars, 
and especially in defence of their country, were com- 
manded by the lords; and observe, the lords found 
them their arms, and their clothing, and their pro- 
visions, and their noney for the service, out of their own 
pockets and estates. It was the business of the 
lords each one to protect his people from wrong; to 
see that they had fair play; they were their advocates 
in courts of justice; pleading their causes in their per- 
sons, and always for nothing. There was no such 
things as a tax for a poor or working men to pay, 
nor ever heard of to pay, of any sort or kind. 
The bishops and abbots were in parlianieifl to 



LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 205 

take care that the poor were not pkmdered of their 
patrimony; and thus it was that nohUitij was Hhe 
cheap defence of nations" 

211. What do we behold now? Every great 
family, as it is called, not paying for warriors to come 
forth to defend the country; hut making the 
people pay them, men, women, and children, to the 
amount of thousands, and thousands upon thousands? 
In short, it is a prodigious band of spungers, living 
upon the labour of the industrious part of the com- 
munity, and making the people pay them, and men 
that they enlist; the object of having such men in pay 
and armed with bayonets, can be hidden from no- 
body in this world but an idiot: a nobility, not pay- 
ing the people to come out, and furnisliing them with 
arms and ammunition, and clothing tlicm, to defend 
the country; but a nobility, actually living upon the 
sweat of the people, and passing laws at the same 
time to transport the very same people, if caught in 
pursuit of pheasant, partridge, or hare! While (oh, 
gracious God!) these same people, still calling them- 
selves nobility, are breeding those wild animals for 
the purpose of feeding the wretches in London whom 
they support in the demanding and the receiving of 
tlireo days' work instead of one! 

212. However, either the people of England sec 
all this, or they do not: if the latter, they are too blind 
to have the character of humanity imputed to them; 
they are absolutely brutes, for brutes any treatment 
is good enough, so that it does not lacerate, starve; 
or knock on the head. If the people of England do 
see it in its true light; and yet, if they think nothing 
of these things, compared with cornbill nonsense, or 
heddekashun; if this be their taste; if they throw 



206 LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON. 

away the substance to amuse themselves with the 
shadow, and will elect Captain Swalloio -Pension 
and reject a man that scorns to deceive them: then 
let them suffer; and my consolation is, that / will not 
suffer along with them! 

Wm. Cobbett. 



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